AMMAN — The National Energy Strategy aims to improve energy efficiency by 15 per cent by 2035, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Secretary General Amani Azzam said on Tuesday.

 

Azzam made the remarks during an awareness workshop organised by the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund in Aqaba, in partnership with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), to introduce the fund’s programmes and financing mechanisms and explore opportunities for cooperation in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

 

She stressed the importance of enhancing energy efficiency and promoting a culture of conservation across various sectors to reduce operating costs, boost competitiveness and support sustainability.

 

Azzam also reviewed the partnership between the fund and ASEZA and the results of several energy efficiency projects implemented in Aqaba, including the installation of energy systems at several tourist camps and comprehensive energy audits at several hotels and industrial facilities.

 

The projects contributed to financial savings of up to 40 per cent in some sectors, she said.

 

Executive Director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund Rasmi Hamza stressed the importance of energy audits as a key tool for identifying energy waste and opportunities to reduce consumption and costs.

 

The findings help facilities identify priorities and select appropriate measures, particularly those that require lower investment and generate returns more quickly, he said.

 

Hamza also highlighted successful projects implemented by the fund in the hotel sector in Aqaba and Petra, which contributed to improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.

 

He stressed the importance of building on these experiences and expanding them to other vital economic sectors.

 

ASEZA Commissioner for Environmental Affairs Nidal Ouran stressed the importance of continuing partnerships among institutions and expanding investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

 

He also called for enhancing the role of commercial banks in providing affordable financing for projects aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.

 

The workshop was held as part of the fund’s efforts to promote its programmes and financial and technical tools, build on successful energy efficiency projects and strengthen public-private partnerships.