Irena recommends distribution upgrades to help Jordan achieve its renewable targets

The country currently imports over 94% of its energy needs

Jordan is only "months" away from reaching its target of 20% power generation from clean sources, according to its energy minister Hala Zawati. Amy McConaghy / The National

Jordan, which imports more than 90 per cent of its energy needs, is looking to power a third of its energy mix from renewables and can significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy from upgrading its transmission and distribution infrastructure, according to a report.

"Deploying storage, promoting demand-side management and incentivising electrification of heating, cooling and transportation" are other means through which the country can drive its renewables strategy, the International Renewable Energy Agency said.

The Abu Dhabi-based institution recommended these assessments following discussions with Jordan's ministry of energy and mineral resources.

In order to implement Irena's recommendations, "a strong partnership between the public and private sectors is needed", said Hala Zawati, Jordanian minister for energy and mineral resources.

Jordan is looking to become more self-sufficient in power generation by incorporating more solar and wind. Around 285MW of wind and 771MW of wind and solar power capacity was integrated into its grid in 2018. The kingdom plans to increase its overall capacity from renewables to 2.7 gigawatts by 2021.

Ms Zawati said last month that Jordan was currently deriving 19 per cent of its power from clean sources and was only "months" away from reaching its target of 20 per cent power generation from clean sources, she added.

“Jordan boasts significant renewable energy resource potential that if realised will reduce consumer energy costs, improve national energy security, create jobs and stimulate sustainable growth – boosting post Covid-19 economic recovery efforts,” Irena director general Francesco La Camera said.