Amman, May 7 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is expediting reconstruction efforts on the Ma’an–Qatraneh 400-kilovolt transmission line, a critical component of the national power grid, following storm-induced tower collapses earlier this year.

Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh, accompanied by National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) Director General Sufian Al-Batayneh and Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) Chairman Ziad Al-Saaydeh, conducted a site visit in the Ma’an region to assess the pace of progress on the high-voltage line’s restoration.

According to a statement by NEPCO, the delegation was briefed on the scope of repair activities, construction milestones achieved to date, and measures undertaken to ensure uninterrupted power supply in Jordan’s southern region. The 400kV Ma’an–Qatraneh line is considered one of the country’s main north-south transmission corridors, linking renewable energy sources in the south with load centers in the central region.

Minister Kharabsheh emphasized the project’s national significance, noting that its timely completion is vital for preserving grid reliability and integrating growing renewable capacity. "This line plays a pivotal role in maintaining system stability, and accelerating its reconstruction is a top operational priority," he said.

NEPCO Chief Al-Batayneh stated that the utility initiated an emergency response plan immediately after the February incident. The company solicited bids from pre-qualified contractors and deployed technical teams to implement interim network reinforcements. He added that the project is on track for early completion, ahead of the contractual deadline.

Al-Batayneh also cited the importance of the 2021 Green Corridor project, which has strengthened the southern grid’s resilience and enabled higher penetration of renewable energy. He described the corridor as "a key enabler of national energy diversification."

The Ma’an–Qatraneh line suffered structural damage during extreme weather conditions in February, leading to the collapse of multiple transmission towers. NEPCO confirmed that no service interruptions were reported due to rapid contingency measures and alternative load routing.

//Petra// RZ

07/05/2025 10:18:37