Ammon News - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Thursday launched a national program for energy rationalization and conservation in important and productive sectors, which will be executed by the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF).

During a ceremony, Kharabsheh, who is also JREEEF's Chairman, signed four cooperation and coordination deals for the program with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Association of Banks in Jordan (ABJ), Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), Private Hospitals Association (PHA), and Jordan Hotels Association (JHA).

Kharabsheh said the program's significance stems from its direct impact on reducing energy bills in the targeted industries by carrying out projects for the concerned establishments.

He said that the government had implemented numerous initiatives in this area, the most recent of which was the electricity tariff, which reduced bills by 11 to 14 percent last month.

The minister urged local banks, Jordan's Central Bank, and foreign donors to support the program run by the JREEEF in cooperation with the UNDP. He noted that the necessary technical research and engagement with partners were carried out in various targeted industries.

Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, said the program is critical to the Kingdom's productive sectors, calling it "one of the most successful sustainable solutions" that moves the economic wheel and reduces financial burdens on such sectors.

The program will increase job opportunities for youth in the energy and sustainability sectors, as well as reduce climate change effects by participating in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and adhering to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreement, she said.

According to Aboul-Hosn, the Jordanian government and UNDP are collaborating to meet people's needs and address difficulties in a variety of areas, including climate change, environmental protection, and catastrophe risk reduction.

JREEEF Director Rasmi Hamzeh stated that the fund will manage the program with partners and financially support it, citing other nations' experiences in this regard, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Canada, India, and the United States.

Companies specializing in energy conservation will undertake studies and plans for installing air conditioners, lighting, and production lines for establishments in accordance with the energy-saving rates specified in the studies.

Energy service firms will finance the scheme through commercial banks. The contractual relationship between executing businesses and establishments is based on fulfillment contracts that anticipate energy bill savings.