Project profile — Sustainable Economic Development Through Renewable Energy in Jordan

• Jordan (100.00%)

• Secondary Education: Vocational training (11330) (8.50%)
• Post-Secondary Education: Advanced technical and managerial training (11430) (21.00%)
• Energy Generation, Renewable Resources: Solar energy (23230) (70.50%)

• Gender equality (significant objective)
• Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting) (principal objective)
• Participatory development and good governance (not targeted)
• Trade development (not targeted)
• Biodiversity (not targeted)
• Climate change mitigation (principal objective)
• Climate Change Adaptation (not targeted)
• Urban issues (not targeted)
• Desertification (not targeted)
• Children's issues (not targeted)
• Youth Issues (not targeted)
• Disability (not targeted)
• Indigenous Issues (not targeted)
• ICT as a tool for development (not targeted)

This project aims to improve the livelihoods of 150,000 women, men and their families in poor communities of the Ajloun and Jordan Valley (Deir Alla) regions through the introduction of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions at the household level. The project seeks to improve skills and employment prospects, particularly for women and youth, in Jordan’s renewable energy sector and to strengthen the enabling environment for accelerated growth of this sector. Project activities include: (1) launch an awareness campaign targeting 25,000 people to raise awareness of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions; (2) strengthen women’s organisations and community-based organisations in the management of renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives and revenue generating activities; (3) procure and install 22,800 renewable energy and energy efficiency units including PV panels, water solar heaters and energy saving lights; (4) improve the capacities of Jordan’s Vocational Training Corporation to deliver training in renewable energy and energy efficiency; (5) develop the management capacities of national partners for improved management and regulation of the sector; and (6) establish commercial models of renewable energy regulations following international best practices. The project is implemented in partnership with the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased usage of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in the Deir Alla and Ajloun region; (2) increased employment opportunities for skilled workers in Jordan's renewable energy and energy efficiency sector; and (3) improved enabling environment for the growth of a robust renewable energy sector in Jordan.

Results achieved as of March 2024 include: (1) increased usage of renewable energy and energy efficiency (REEE) solutions in Ajloun and Deir Alla. This resulted in an annual reduction of 10,145 tons of CO2 emissions, surpassing the target of 6,247 tons. They did by conducting REEE awareness-raising activities, reaching over 100,000 people, installing 1,515 solar panels, 1,711 solar water heaters and 24,523 LED lights. This action increased the disposable income of over 8,100 households who realized cost savings by installing REEE systems in 6 schools, 5 health clinics, 4 forest ranger towers, and 2 archeological locations reducing their electricity bill by an average of 73%. This also includes the installation of 4 solar farms of a capacity of 950 kWAC, improving the knowledge and skills of 29 community-based organizations to design, implement, and monitor a sustainable revolving fund for the installation of REEE equipment in households; (2) supported 315 beneficiaries (191 men and 124 women) to find employment opportunities or become self-employed by enhancing their knowledge and skills to better suit the needs of the REEE sector. This action helped establish linkages with employers, arranging interviews and job fairs, and creating internship opportunities; and (3) developed 5 governance-related reforms to enhance the environment of the RE sector in Jordan, in cooperation with the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission and the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund.

• Proactive disclosure