The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Jordan Valley Authority organized a field visit to King Talal Dam to showcase a pilot project featuring a water-cooled floating solar energy system — a pioneering step toward enhancing energy efficiency and reducing water loss in Jordan.
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The visit was attended by several embassy representatives, as well as officials from partner ministries, research institutions, and local communities, who observed the system’s performance and the innovative technologies it employs.
This project is part of the Jordan Valley Authority’s efforts to promote a green transition in the water sector, where electricity costs account for nearly 20% of total operating expenses. The floating solar system represents an innovative solution to reduce these costs by utilizing water surfaces to generate clean energy while improving operational efficiency.
The system uses solar panels that float on the dam’s surface and are cooled by the surrounding water, increasing their efficiency by 5–15% compared to land-based panels and reducing water evaporation by up to 90%. Data collection began in August 2025, and by early November, the system had generated over 730 kWh of electricity used to power Jordan Valley Authority facilities.
During the visit, Eng. Hisham Al-Hayasa, Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority, explained that the project aims to “enhance energy efficiency in water and agriculture projects, reduce carbon emissions, and support scientific research in renewable energy.” He noted that the initiative reflects the authority’s commitment to adopting innovative, sustainable solutions to preserve natural resources and strengthen international partnerships, in line with its 2024–2026 strategic plan.
FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, Abdelhakim Elwaer, stated that the project “exemplifies effective cooperation between national institutions and international organizations to improve energy and water management and achieve food and water security.”
Meanwhile, Eng. Mohammad Al-Hayari, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, said the project supports the ministry’s direction toward expanding clean energy use in irrigation and agricultural production.
FAO Representative in Jordan Dr. Nabil Assaf described the floating system as “an innovative, dual-benefit solution that increases energy output while reducing water loss, serving as a practical model for climate adaptation technologies in Jordan.”
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Rawashdeh, Director-General of the National Agricultural Research Center, highlighted that the center’s policy promotes smart agriculture through specialized scientific research funding.
Project Director Eng. Nidal Al-Shaninat presented the system’s technical aspects, emphasizing how the floating panels both minimize evaporation rates and enhance power generation efficiency through cooling.
The project is implemented through a partnership between FAO and the Jordan Valley Authority as part of a national vision to boost energy efficiency, ensure water resource sustainability, and advance Jordan’s green transition in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
