The Council of Ministers approved several agreements and initiatives to advance Jordan’s green energy sector, create job opportunities and enhance infrastructure.

The Cabinet approved a land use agreement with Amarenco for green hydrogen, and it authorised the Director General of the Department of Lands and Survey to sign the deal.

The Council extended the framework agreement with FFI for green hydrogen until March 31, 2025.

The decisions align with the government’s efforts to capitalise on Jordan’s abundant renewable energy resources and strategic location in the Middle East and Africa. They are part of the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023-2033), which prioritises investments in green hydrogen production and supports the transition to clean energy.

Jordan is working with 13 international and local companies to explore investment opportunities in the green hydrogen sector. Two companies have completed the preliminary study phase and signed land use agreements, allowing them to move forward with economic feasibility studies.

Seven other companies are in the negotiation phase for land use agreements, while the remaining four are still conducting preliminary studies.

The Cabinet approved a 14.45 million euro grant agreement with the German Government to finance the green job creation project under the national afforestation programme.

Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat said the project would create at least 3,000 permanent and temporary jobs through a rainfed afforestation project in northern and central Jordan.

This initiative includes the planting of one million carob trees and establishing a factory for producing fodder, therapeutic oils and derivatives from carob.

The agreement supports agricultural projects, boosting the productivity of nurseries to 3 million trees annually and contributing to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

The Cabinet approved a draft law amending the Law on Restructuring Government Institutions and Departments for 2025.

The proposed amendments include merging the Technical and Vocational Skills Development Authority with the Higher Education Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission to form a single entity, the “Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission.”

The law outlines the transfer of two key funds the Fund for Supporting Vocational and Technical Education and the Fund for Supporting Scientific Research and Innovation to the Ministry of Labour and the Higher Council for Science and Technology, respectively.

The Cabinet decided to enhance the independence of media institutions by allowing the Prime Minister to appoint the chairpersons of the Radio and Television Corporation and the Jordan News Agency (Petra), instead of the Minister of Government Communication.

In further infrastructure and development news, the Cabinet approved the agreement for Phase II of the Economic Development and Sustainable Energy Project, funded by the Canadian government.

Following the success of the first phase in the Ajloun and Deir Alla regions, Phase II will focus on raising awareness about energy efficiency and renewable energy integration in the southern Jordan Valley.

The project will span five years and implement energy solutions in schools, health centres and government buildings while providing training programmes for workers in small and medium enterprises and creating employment opportunities in various sectors.

The Cabinet approved a loan agreement with the French Development Agency to expand the Madaba Wastewater Treatment Plant and rehabilitate the wastewater networks.

Valued at 98 million euros, the project aims to improve wastewater treatment services in Madaba, benefiting local communities.

The Cabinet endorsed the reasons for the draft bylaw for professional qualification and accreditation of engineers for 2025, submitted by the Jordan Engineers Association.

The bylaw would establish standards for engineering practice based on efficiency and excellence, enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian engineers in local, regional and international markets.

The Cabinet approved an amended bylaw for the Agricultural Workers Bylaw for 2025. It would include agricultural workers under the Social Security Law and regulate vacations, overtime and other labour conditions in the agricultural sector, ensuring better protection and rights for workers in this vital industry.

//Petra// AK
11/01/2025 23:13:31