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Ammon News - The government has reported substantial advancements in the energy and mineral sectors as part of its 2023-2025 Executive Program for Economic Modernization, according to the mid-year report for the first half of 2024. These achievements reflect ongoing efforts to enhance the country's energy infrastructure and strategic resource management.

Key among these developments is the completion of preliminary technical and economic studies by the Jordan Green Ammonia Company for the construction of a green ammonia and hydrogen production facility in Aqaba. This project aligns with a memorandum of understanding signed with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, underscoring Jordan's commitment to advancing green energy initiatives.

The government has also enacted an amended Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law, paving the way for new regulations governing the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. These regulations include exemptions for renewable energy systems and measures to enhance energy efficiency, with approval processes currently underway.

In a related development, the government has drafted an amendment to the Public Electricity Law No. 64 of 2002. This amendment is designed to modernize the governance framework of the energy sector, ensuring that operators and developers adhere to international best practices in electricity management.

Efforts to bolster the legal and regulatory framework for green hydrogen production, usage, and export are also progressing. The government, in collaboration with the World Bank and other stakeholders, is exploring various options to establish a comprehensive framework that supports the development of this emerging sector.

Additionally, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has awarded a tender to bw lng for the lease of the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel BW Everett. The 10-year lease includes an option for ownership and will replace the current LNG vessel in the Aqaba Gulf. This vessel will serve as a critical component of the country's natural gas storage and regasification infrastructure, providing essential support to the national energy grid.

Further developments include the awarding of a tender for the drilling of two wells in the Sarhan Field, marking the first phase of an extensive exploration project aimed at enhancing the country’s oil and gas reserves. The ministry continues to oversee activities related to green hydrogen projects and is preparing detailed land and site information within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone to facilitate project development.

The report also highlights the completion of the amended system for the Exploitation of Petroleum, Oil Shale, Coal, and Strategic Minerals Projects No. 76 of 2020. This system introduces stricter regulations on the export of raw or unprocessed strategic minerals, encouraging investment in domestic processing and utilization.

In the mining sector, a tender for the classification of basalt rocks in the Harrat al-Sham region has been awarded, with the study focusing on the industrial applications of these resources. The ministry has also completed the silica upgrade project, receiving the final technical report from the contracted firm, Anzaplan.

Ongoing monitoring and implementation of memoranda of understanding with mineral exploration and prospecting companies across Jordan continue to be a priority. The government is currently negotiating executive agreements with several companies, including Solvest Turkish Company for copper and gold exploration in the Abu Khushaiba area, New Environmental Elements Company for rare earth elements exploration in the Dubiedeb area, and the Arab Mining Company for phosphate exploration in the Risha area.

Petra