On Thursday, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Board of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund, Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, signed a cooperation agreement with Osama Madanat, Vice Chairman of the Jordan Hotels Association, to implement a comprehensive energy efficiency and conservation program. The initiative aims to increase the competitiveness of hotels and the tourism sector by reducing operating costs, including energy expenses. The program includes conducting energy audit studies for hotel facilities and implementing the recommendations derived from these studies.
اضافة اعلان
Dr. Al-Kharabsheh emphasized that the Fund continues to advance its future projects in renewable energy and energy efficiency across all vital sectors, including residential, tourism, education, industrial, municipal, and healthcare sectors, as well as specialized training programs in renewable energy, contributing to Jordan’s national energy and sustainable development goals.
He highlighted the significant opportunity for economic and service establishments in both the public and private sectors to improve energy efficiency. Studies conducted by the Fund indicate that Jordan’s energy intensity index is significantly higher than the global average by 20–25%. Implementing energy-saving measures is recommended before installing renewable energy systems, as their costs are lower and the investment payback period does not exceed four years.
Osama Madanat expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, praising the Fund’s comprehensive program to support the hotel sector. He noted that the program will significantly reduce energy costs for hotels affected by recent regional events, and that the Hotels Association will collaborate with the Fund to reach all hotels and promote the program nationwide. He added that energy audit studies will greatly contribute to cost reduction and enhanced service quality for citizens.
The Fund’s Executive Director, Rasmi Hamza, stated that the agreement reflects the Fund’s vision to expand its programs to include the tourism sector, a key pillar of the national economy. The Fund will cover 100% of energy audit study costs, as well as support bank interest and loan guarantees for implementing the study recommendations.
Hamza also highlighted the success of previous phases conducted in Petra and Aqaba, which achieved energy cost savings of 40–60%, enhancing hotel competitiveness.
The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Amani Al-Azzam, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Fund team. From the Hotels Association, attendees included Dr. Moataz Saud, Secretary-General, and Hussein Hilalat, Board Member.
