The European Commission has earmarked €71 million to support renewable energy projects in Jordan whilst a report highlights the importance of solar power for Lebanon’s future
Whilst the Middle East may be known worldwide for its oil, many nations are now starting to look to renewables for a sustainable source of energy. Jordan, which ironically made headlines for its peaceful nuclear plans, was recently granted € 71 million from the European Commission to assist the development of renewable energy, education and knowledge-sharing programmes. A report on the state of Lebanon’s energy sector also noted that renewable energy was vital to the country’s future development.
Jordan relies heavily on foreign imports for its energy and is attempting to wean its self from this dependence by expanding its nuclear energy and also developing renewables energy projects. The money from the European Commission is intended to help Jordan achieve its energy saving targets of 20 percent by 2020 and support renewable energy. The remaining € 23 million will be used to train teachers and develop the education sector as well as encouraging knowledge and skill sharing programmes between Jordan and its member states.
In Lebanon, a comprehensive report by Blominvest has exposed the challenges facing the electricity sector and noted that the reliance on oil instead of natural gas and renewable energy sources is hindering the development of the sector. Issues with blackouts and the fact that the five-year plan by the Ministry of Energy and Water doesn’t assign any government funding for renewable energy schemes were also highlighted.
The report went to reiterate the importance of renewable energy and states: “Developing renewable energy power production to promote new non-fossil fuels for electricity generation, such as solar, is of utmost importance for Lebanon and stands as the ultimate solution for the country to become self sufficient and meet the existing and growing electricity demand at an economical operating cost, through alternative options such as thermal power plants, wind farms, and photovoltaic.” (emphasis added)
: Image via Hakan Dahlstrom/Flickr.
:: Bloomberg and The Daily Star.
For more on energy issues in Jordan and Lebanon see:
Jordan Pushes On With Its Nuclear Plans
Jordan’s Potential First Oil Field For The People
Jordan Signs Up For Epic ‘Sahara Forest Project’
Lebanon Challenges Israel’s Natural Gas Borders at Sea
How The Middle East Should Coordinate A Sustainable Agenda
Author: Arwa Aburawa
Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.
Renewable energy is currently the trend and the requirement too. If we can then we must adher and use this.