November 22 - Eng. Yacoub Marar, Director of Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Department, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan National Focal point and Member of the Steering Committee of the Mediterranean Green Electrons and Molecules Network (MED-GEM NETWORK), stated that Jordan has significant opportunities for green hydrogen production through local renewable energy projects.

During his opening speech at EU-Jordan National Consultation Workshop on Renewables and Green Hydrogen titled "Paving the Way for Sustainable Energy Future ", Eng. Yacoub Marar affirmed Jordan's aim to become a regional hub for the production and export of green energy, leveraging its excellent solar resources and qualified human capital. The goal is to produce 2.6 million tons of green hydrogen by 2040.

Marar pointed out that renewable energy from wind and solar contributed to 27% of electricity generated in Jordan by the end of 2022, compared to 1% in 2014. He described this as a good opportunity for Jordan to play a leading role in the global transition to clean energy, such as green hydrogen, as a clean and emissions-free fuel. To achieve this, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is working on developing regulations and legislation regulating hydrogen, including the preparation of the National Green Hydrogen Strategy, envisioning Jordan as a regional hub for green hydrogen and Power to X (PtX) products.

“The transitioning to a low-carbon economy is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity. Over the past three decades, the European Union has reduced emissions by 30% while growing its economy by 60%” stated Mr. Thibaut Moyer, Deputy Head of Cooperation to the EU Delegation in Jordan in his opening speech. “Jordan's proactive Minister of Energy, with four MoUs already signed with private developers and more on the horizon, proves the importance and attractiveness of the green hydrogen potential in Jordan. In true partnership, the European Union will continue to stand by Jordan to harness its renewable energy potential, bolster industrialisation and foster job creation.”

“Jordan's proactive Minister of Energy, with four MoUs already signed with private developers and more on the horizon, proves the importance and attractiveness of the green hydrogen potential in Jordan. In true partnership, the European Union will continue to stand by Jordan to harness its renewable energy potential, bolster industrialisation and foster job creation.” Mr. Thibaut Moyer, Deputy Head of Cooperation to the EU Delegation in Jordan

 In his opening speech at the workshop, Mr. Frank Wouters, Director of MED-GEM Network, reminded the audience that although the hydrogen economy is a new global phenomenon, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.

"The ice giant Uranus for example has a hydrogen atmosphere and it even rains diamonds in a sea of ammonia, which is a hydrogen derivative. The MED-GEM network aims to create a community of neighbours that can benefit from each other's experience, which is crucial in the early state of development. The MED-GEM Network provides thus a platform for the public and private sector to engage and we are excited to work with Jordan on this."

The workshop, part of the MED•GEM Network , a regional program funded by the European Commission [DG NEAR] and implemented by  GIZ International, and is nine targeted countries in the South of the Mediterranean, discusses the strategic challenges and opportunities of green hydrogen in the Region and in Jordan. It addresses the necessary shared infrastructure to kickstart green hydrogen projects and the role of renewable energy in such crucial projects for the future of sustainable energy in Jordan.

The workshop, co-organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Union (DG NEAR) and with the MED-GEM Network, acknowledges the vital role of bio-hydrogen derived from renewable sources in combating climate change. It focuses on the potential of hydrogen as a versatile, emissions-free energy carrier, offering solutions for industrial sectors and transportation, challenging emission reduction. The workshop aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The workshop was attended by representatives from ministries, institutions, private sectors, financial bodies, universities, research centers, and governmental and non-governmental organisations actively shaping the future of green hydrogen in the Mediterranean region.

It is noteworthy that the MED-GEM Network supports the energy transition in neighbouring countries of the 9 countries from the South Mediterranean region, contributing to overcoming social, economic, and climate challenges in the region. Through dialogue and collaborative activities among key stakeholders in the energy field, MED-GEM aims to facilitate and enhance the growth of the green hydrogen industry and its derivatives at the regional level, raising public awareness of the urgent need to accelerate the transition to clean energy.