In Jordan, the state of electricity consumption in 2022 primarily leaned towards fossil energy, with almost three-quarters of the country's electricity being generated from fossil sources. Gas alone accounted for more than 70% of electricity, illustrating a strong dependency on fossil energy. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources comprised just over a fifth of the total electricity generation. Solar energy made the largest contribution among low-carbon sources, providing over 15% of the electricity, while wind energy added another 8%. This division highlights a significant reliance on fossil energy, with clean energy sources still playing a considerably smaller role in Jordan's electricity mix.
Is Electricity Growing in Jordan?
Regarding electricity growth in Jordan, the data reflects a mild decline in recent years. The latest figures for 2022 reveal an electricity consumption of approximately 2011 kWh per person, which shows a decrease compared to the peak in 2012 when consumption was 2276 kWh per person. This decline of 265 kWh per person signifies a drop in overall electricity usage, which might be cause for concern given the need to meet increasing electricity demands. On a positive note, low-carbon electricity saw a slight improvement, with the latest generation figures reaching 464 kWh per person, illustrating a modest rise from the previous record in 2021, where it stood at 444 kWh per person.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Jordan should focus on expanding its existing solar infrastructure, as solar energy already contributes significantly to the country's clean energy portfolio. By looking at successful regions like Lebanon, which generates a significant portion of its electricity from solar, and Nevada, where solar capacity also plays a substantial role, Jordan can gain insights into effective expansion strategies. Additionally, Jordan could consider investing in nuclear energy by learning from countries with substantial nuclear generation, such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear provides a predominant share of electricity. Emulating best practices from these regions can guide Jordan in transitioning further toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape, ultimately reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, the growth of low-carbon electricity in Jordan has been relatively slow, but with a positive shift starting in the mid-2010s. Between 2015 and 2022, both solar and wind energy saw consistent improvements. Solar electricity began its upward trajectory in 2015, experiencing steady increments each year, with notable growth from 2016 onward. Wind power also showed gradual gains starting from 2015 and continued to contribute to the clean energy mix annually. During this period, hydroelectric generation remained constant without notable increases. These advancements illustrate Jordan's burgeoning journey toward low-carbon electricity, setting a foundation for a more sustainable future by harnessing the sun and wind's potential.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.