Amman, Aug. 5 (Petra) --Energy security is among the priorities emphasized by His Majesty King Abdullah II as a key factor in supporting sustainable development, national stability, and economic growth amid global changes.

This falls within a comprehensive vision that places sustainability at the center of the Economic Modernisation Vision, focusing on strengthening Jordan’s energy security and increasing reliance on national resources through diversifying energy sources, reducing dependence on imports, and implementing strategic projects and proactive plans to address regional and global developments.

During a meeting to follow up on government measures to enhance energy and food security, His Majesty stressed the importance of continuing efforts to diversify energy sources and expand the use of local and renewable energy resources to improve self-reliance and support the competitiveness of economic sectors and essential services.

The King directed the government to continue developing and implementing plans to strengthen strategic energy reserves, enhance the readiness of the national system, and ensure its sustainability and ability to respond to various developments.

The Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company reflects these directives through its role in ensuring the continuity of petroleum product supplies, maintaining strategic reserves, and supporting the resilience of the national energy system.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Hassan Al-Hayari, said the company, in coordination with relevant government entities, is working to strengthen strategic reserves of petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to ensure continued supplies and meet local market needs efficiently and reliably.

He added that, as part of the company’s strategic plan, work is underway to construct five spherical tanks for storing LPG with a total capacity of 10,000 tonnes at the refinery site in Zarqa, along with another project to build two spherical tanks with a storage capacity of 4,000 tonnes in Aqaba.

He said these projects would contribute to strengthening supply security, reducing reliance on external sources, and improving Jordan’s ability to deal with emergencies.

Al-Hayari said the company continues to invest in infrastructure development, improving energy efficiency, and studying opportunities related to renewable energy and emissions reduction in line with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision and energy sector plans.

He affirmed that the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company continues to develop its strategic projects and operational capabilities to support Jordan’s energy security and sustainable economic development.
Energy expert Hashem Aql said Jordan is working to enhance its energy security through strategic reserves and greater private-sector participation.

He said Jordan’s approach to energy security and strategic reserves is based on diversifying sources and involving the private sector in investment, mining, transportation, and storage activities.

Aql explained that Jordan relies on an integrated system for securing petroleum products and gas supplies, led by The Jordan Oil Terminals Company (JOTC) in cooperation with marketing companies. He noted that the Kingdom has strategically distributed storage facilities, including the storage complex in Al-Madouna, Amman, and facilities in Aqaba.

He said this system supports continued supply of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel, for periods generally ranging between 60 and 90 days.

Regarding the liquefied natural gas (LNG) unit in Aqaba, Aql said it provides flexibility through the import of LNG by vessels, its processing at King Sabah Port in Aqaba, and its supply through the Arab Gas Pipeline to support electricity generation plants.

He stressed that private-sector participation remains an important element in implementing the energy sector strategy, including storage, transportation, electricity interconnection, exports, energy storage, and smart grid development.
He explained that the petroleum products market has been opened to competition through licensed marketing companies, which maintain operational and strategic reserves in accordance with requirements set by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Aql said international and local companies are involved in operating and developing oil and gas facilities at Aqaba Port to support supply chain efficiency.

Regarding electricity interconnection and exports, he said Jordan is working to strengthen its role in regional energy exchange through cooperation with companies developing transmission networks. He noted that projects include strengthening existing connections with Egypt, Iraq, and Palestine, as well as future plans for connection with Saudi Arabia to improve grid flexibility and manage available generation capacity.

He also highlighted investments in energy storage projects, including pumped-storage and large-scale battery systems, to help manage fluctuations in renewable energy generated from wind and solar sources.

Aql said Jordan has the world’s fifth-largest oil shale reserves, which are being developed through cooperation with investment companies. He noted that the Attarat Power Plant project uses direct combustion of oil shale to generate electricity with a capacity of around 470 megawatts, contributing to the use of a local energy source.

He added that the government has signed memorandums of understanding and concession agreements with international companies to develop oil shale extraction technologies, while focusing on technologies that limit carbon emissions and meet environmental requirements.

Aql highlighted the importance of diversifying electricity generation sources through a mix that includes natural gas, renewable energy, and oil shale, while reducing reliance on a single source.

He also pointed to efforts to develop the national electricity transmission network through smart grid projects, improve regional electricity exchange, update energy sector regulations to encourage investment, and promote energy efficiency in industrial and residential sectors.

He stressed the need to accelerate the development of the Risha gas field and domestic pipeline networks, expand storage capacity through partnerships with the private sector, strengthen electricity links with Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, and support private-sector involvement in storage, transportation, and logistics.

Secretary-General of the Renewable Energy Authority Engineer Mohammad Al-Taani said the coming phase requires translating royal directives into practical programs and projects focused on expanding investment in local and renewable energy sources and increasing self-generation of electricity.

He said these efforts would contribute to improving self-reliance, reducing energy costs, enhancing economic competitiveness, attracting investment, and creating employment opportunities.

Al-Taani called for accelerating Arab electricity interconnection projects and establishing specialized companies in areas including digital energy, energy storage, smart grid management, and the use of artificial intelligence in the energy sector.
He said the establishment of three smart cities in the north, center, and south of Jordan based on renewable energy, digital technologies, and innovation would support sustainable development efforts.

He stressed the importance of developing a national roadmap involving government institutions, the private sector, universities, research centers, and civil society organizations to coordinate efforts and support the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision.

Al-Taani said Jordan has important components for developing its energy sector, including renewable energy resources, electric vehicles, energy storage capabilities, and regulatory frameworks.

He noted that Jordan has made progress in renewable energy investment compared with energy demand, and stressed that energy security requires cooperation among all stakeholders to maintain reliable electricity supplies and continue developing infrastructure.

He added that diversifying energy sources and adopting a balanced energy mix are important steps toward strengthening national energy security. He also highlighted the importance of developing green transport infrastructure and adopting modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support energy supply and regional electricity cooperation.

//Petra//WH

05/08/2026 12:36:34