Amman, Aug. 27 (Petra)– Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
Saleh Kharabsheh on Thursday witnessed the signing of a strategic
agreement between the National Advanced Natural Gas Company (Watani)
and Qatrana Cement Company to supply and distribute natural gas to
the Qatrana Cement plant, as part of efforts to expand the use of
natural gas in the industrial sector and provide more efficient and
reliable energy solutions.

The agreement was signed by Watani Director General Khaled Al-Zoubi
and Qatrana Cement CEO Amer Al-Khatib.

Kharabsheh said the agreement comes as part of the ministry’s efforts
to diversify energy sources, enhance energy security, support the
national economy and industrial sector, and advance the objectives of
the Economic Modernization Vision.

He said the ministry is working to expand the natural gas network to
cover various industrial areas. The network currently extends to
Al-Qastal and Al-Hashemiyah, while agreements have been signed to
supply natural gas to Al-Rawdah in Ma’an and Al-Muwaqqar. Studies are
also being prepared to extend the network to Mafraq and Zarqa.

Kharabsheh also highlighted continued efforts to explore energy
resources and develop solutions aimed at reducing reliance on
conventional energy sources. He noted that Jordanian companies now
cover various stages of the natural gas supply chain.

Al-Zoubi said the agreement represents more than a conventional
commercial relationship between a supplier and a consumer, describing
it as a “strategic partnership” that reflects Watani’s commitment to
providing reliable supplies and integrated solutions for the
industrial sector.

Al-Khatib said the project to transition to natural gas is a
strategic decision aimed at improving operational efficiency,
diversifying energy sources and reducing costs, thereby ensuring the
long-term sustainability of the company’s operations.

Ziad Al-Saaydeh, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Energy
and Minerals Regulatory Commission, said the commission supports
projects aimed at switching to natural gas by providing the necessary
regulatory and technical framework and ensuring safety and efficiency
requirements. He added that such projects enhance energy security and
strengthen the competitiveness of the industrial sector.

Under the agreement, Watani will supply the plant with compressed
natural gas (CNG) in accordance with agreed specifications,
quantities and delivery schedules, as well as applicable regulatory
and technical requirements. The gas will be used primarily for
electricity generation and industrial heating processes.

The plant’s annual natural gas requirements are expected to range
between 450,000 and 700,000 million British thermal units (MMBTU)
during the first phase, with consumption gradually increasing in the
coming years to cover most of the plant’s energy needs.

Actual gas supplies are scheduled to begin in early 2027 following
the completion of technical works and infrastructure, as well as the
required approvals and licenses.

The agreement includes the establishment of an integrated gas
reception system at the plant, including gas storage tanks, pressure
reduction equipment, metering systems and other necessary technical
equipment. The gas will be transported in sealed tanks mounted on
mobile trailers.

The agreement will remain in effect for five years from the date of
the first successful gas delivery and will be automatically renewed
for an equivalent period in accordance with its terms. Approvals
related to the gas reception station, engineering designs,
infrastructure works, safety requirements and inspections are also
being completed.

//Petra// MF