PtX Hub in Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is one of the leading countries in the Middle East and North Africa region in renewable energy expansion and clean energy growth. In mid-2022, renewables generated approximately 29 % of the electricity supply. High solar and wind potential position Jordan as an attractive country for producing PtX. Closely located to ports and Europe, Jordan is well placed to become a PtX producer and exporter.

In 2020, the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) released the 2020-2030 Energy Strategy. Goals include the diversification of energy resources, expansion of renewable energy capacities, increasing investments, and strengthening international relations and collaborations. By the end of 2030, the country envisages to have 48.5 % of the country’s electricity generation come from local energy sources.

The Jordanian Energy Ministry is currently working on a strategy to set technical and legal standards to produce green hydrogen from solar and wind. Producing green hydrogen could decrease the country’s dependency on the import of fossil fuels and increase the expansion of locally sourced renewable energy. Jordan currently imports around 91 % fossil fuels for its energy supply.

Green hydrogen and PtX are poised to play a key role towards climate neutrality by enabling the defossilisation of sectors that cannot directly electrify. In Jordan, potential applications include crude oil refining, fertiliser production, gas-fired thermal power plants, urban buses and heavy-duty trucks and port logistics.

However, there are challenges to be overcome. Most prominently, the lacking regulatory framework as well as water scarcity are in the spotlight to be solved before the take up of PtX production in Jordan.

The PtX Hub’s work in Jordan at a glance

1. Capacity and knowledge building for decision makers in politics, research, and academia

• Conducting the Renewable PtX.Training with political decision makers in Jordan (First Training in March 2023)
• Organising a study trip for Jordan’s decision makers to industrial and research PtX facilities

2. Building partnerships with universities, academies, and training centers

• Assisting in developing a PtX programme and course for students in partnership with a Jordanian university
• Supporting in developing a PtX programme and course for engineers and technicians of the public and private sectors of Jordan in partnership with a Jordanian technical university
• Conducting a “Train-the-trainer” programme for academic staff and professors of the partner universities

3. Organising a workshop on “Certifying Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Sustainability Criteria for Hydrogen and PtX Products – A Jordanian-German Dialogue”

4. Providing technical, regulatory, and sustainability support to Jordanian public officials

PtX Hub in Jordan: Project Insights

1. Engagement of local communities and stakeholders:

• The PtX Hub in Jordan focuses on capacity and knowledge building for decision-makers in politics, research, and academia.
• Through activities like the Renewable PtX Training and study trips to PtX facilities, political decision-makers are engaged, enhancing their understanding of PtX principles and sustainability standards.

2. Lessons learned and best practices:

• The PtX Hub emphasises collaboration between the private and public sectors to overcome barriers in green hydrogen production.
• It advocates for a clear national green hydrogen strategy, supported by joint efforts with international partners and government subsidies.

3. Highlight efforts indicating sustainability of the project:

• Collaborations with Jordanian universities, such as the German Jordanian University in Amman and Hussein Technical University, to develop PtX programmes for students and professionals showcase ongoing commitment beyond the PtX Hub’s duration. 
• The workshop on certifying greenhouse gas accounting and sustainability criteria demonstrates continued efforts to enhance PtX knowledge and practices.

4. Next big projects for GH2/PtX:

• Continued initiatives like the H2-diplo Decarbonization Diplomacy program and the second phase of H2Uppp project highlight sustained efforts in green hydrogen and PtX development.
• Triangular cooperation projects like GeoH2Verde signify Jordan’s commitment to international collaboration in advancing green energy technologies.

5. Significant impacts and benefits of PtX Hub project:

• PtX initiatives in Jordan align with the country’s energy strategy to diversify energy resources and increase renewable energy capacities.
• Green hydrogen production aims to reduce Jordan’s dependency on imported fossil fuels, contributing to energy security and sustainability.

6. Long-term impact of PtX project:

• Jordan’s renewable energy potential and initiatives in PtX lay the groundwork for a sustainable energy transition, supporting economic growth and environmental stewardship.
• Collaboration with international partners and integration into the global green hydrogen market can solidify Jordan’s position as a key player in the clean energy sector.

7. Collaboration opportunities within South-South cooperation:

• Jordan’s experiences in green energy development and PtX initiatives can serve as valuable lessons for other countries facing similar challenges.
• Opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration exist within the broader context of South-South Cooperation, facilitating joint efforts towards sustainable energy solutions.

Further resources

“Power-to-X: Green hydrogen opportunities in Jordan” (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung; Amman, 2022)

Jordan is moving beyond green hydrogen – PtX Hub (ptx-hub.org)

Understanding EU requirements for green hydrogen and PtX: workshop in Jordan – PtX Hub (ptx-hub.org)

19061.pdf (fes.de)

Further resources

“Power-to-X: Green hydrogen opportunities in Jordan” (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung; Amman, 2022)