In the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is grappling with a monumental challenge: transitioning from a fossil fuel-dependent energy landscape to a sustainable, solar-powered future. This journey, fraught with regulatory hurdles and infrastructural deficiencies, is the subject of a groundbreaking study led by Salem Al-Oun, a researcher from the Department of Business Administration at Al Al-Bayt University. The study, published in the journal Energies, offers a comprehensive roadmap for Jordan and other nations in the MENA region to accelerate their renewable energy transitions.
Jordan’s energy landscape is dominated by imported fossil fuels, which account for over 90% of its energy mix. This heavy reliance has left the country vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations, straining public finances and intensifying socio-economic inequalities. The nation’s ambitious commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31% by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement, underscores the urgency of this transition. Solar energy, with Jordan’s strategic location along the “solar belt,” presents a promising solution. However, the path to widespread solar adoption is fraught with challenges, including fragmented regulatory frameworks and insufficient infrastructure.
Al-Oun’s study, which analyzed data from 447 households, reveals that regulatory policies and infrastructure are intricately linked in influencing solar energy adoption. “The current net metering policy, which limits compensation to 80% of exported energy, results in lengthy payback periods,” Al-Oun explains. “This contrasts starkly with Morocco’s successful 100% feed-in tariff model and its shorter payback period.” The study highlights that Morocco’s “One-Stop Shop” initiative for solar licensing has effectively reduced approval times to 30 days, leading to a 40% increase in residential solar adoption. In contrast, Jordan’s licensing processes average 6 to 9 months, with 68% of solar investors citing overlapping jurisdictions and inconsistent permitting requirements as substantial obstacles.
The study also underscores the critical role of infrastructure in solar energy adoption. Jordan’s existing grid infrastructure, designed primarily for centralized fossil fuel plants, struggles to integrate decentralized solar systems effectively. The nation’s battery storage capacity is alarmingly low, with only 50 MW available to manage the 600 MW of installed solar capacity. This results in significant curtailment, particularly in northern regions rich in solar resources.
Al-Oun’s research proposes concrete reforms to address these challenges. These include simplifying licensing processes, enhancing subsidy equity, and expanding battery storage capacity. “By adopting inflation-indexed feed-in tariffs, Jordan can reduce payback periods from the current 9 years to an optimal 4–5 years,” Al-Oun suggests. “Additionally, expanding battery storage capacity through public–private partnerships can help mitigate curtailment and improve grid reliability.”
The implications of this research extend beyond Jordan. The study’s findings offer a replicable framework for other MENA nations and resource-constrained economies seeking to balance energy security with sustainability. By integrating policy, technology, and equity, Al-Oun’s work contributes to reducing Jordan’s energy import dependency, alleviating fiscal pressures, and fostering inclusive growth through solar energy initiatives.
As Jordan and other nations in the MENA region navigate the complexities of their energy transitions, Al-Oun’s study serves as a beacon, illuminating the path forward. The research, published in Energies, provides a robust framework for policymakers, energy sector professionals, and stakeholders to drive meaningful change. By addressing regulatory and infrastructural barriers, Jordan can unlock its solar energy potential, diminish its dependency on imported fuels, and serve as a model for renewable energy transitions globally.