German vice chancellor urges region to harness ‘unlimited potential’ of clean energy

DEAD SEA — The MENA region is “an incredible source” of oil, gas and renewable energy resources, including solar energy, which will be the cornerstone for energy system transformation and economic prosperity, according to Robert Habeck, German vice chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Habeck pointed out that there is “unlimited potential in the use and exploitation of clean energy”, calling for benefiting from renewable energy — solar and wind power, noting that countries can use them to decarbonise their own energy systems.

During his speech at the MENA Europe Future Energy Dialogue (MEFED) opening ceremony at the Dead Sea on Wednesday, Habeck highlighted the importance of the conference, especially amid soaring energy prices and the need to switch to new energy systems.

"The conference is based on a policy of good neighbourliness and history, and its importance stems from challenges represented in climate change, wars, inflation and high prices,” he said.

According to Habeck, globalisation has become fragile and climate change has become a challenge now more than ever.

“Heat and hunger are hitting the MENA region particularly hard. On the other hand, the region is a major supplier of fossil fuel which is helping in reinforcing global warming. The Levant was the cultural hub before war and crusades destroyed it,” Habeck added.

He indicated that Europe and the MENA region have “a unique potential” to transform the economy into a decarbonised future based on resource protection, energy efficiency and renewable energies.

“We need to push for the transition of our economies and energy systems. The MEFED is a milestone to deepen the cooperation between Europe and the MENA region towards energy transition, climate action and economic prosperity,” Habeck continued.

Saleh Kharabsheh, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, noted that Jordan seeks to launch an electrical interconnection project between MENA countries and Europe, indicating that the Kingdom is looking to export green energy by stimulating investments in the sector.

“Jordan’s geographical location plays an important role, as we aim for Jordan to be a regional hub for the exchange of energy in all its forms,” the minister said, noting that the sector's infrastructure is currently being developed, especially the electrical network.

According to Kharabsheh, the percentage of renewable energy contribution to electricity generation in 2021 in the Kingdom reached 26 per cent, compared with 1 per cent in 2014, noting that there are efforts to further increase the percentage.

The Kingdom is considering energy security, reducing energy costs, sustainability and reliance on local sources of energy, Kharabsheh said.

"Many projects are currently underway for the optimal exploitation of Jordanian mineral resources, for example, lithium, which is the most suitable raw material for batteries used in energy storage, and it will be an essential component in the future. In addition to excavations for gold, copper, silica and more,” the minister added.

Kharabsheh emphasised that hydrogen will play an important role in the future, especially with the low cost of generation from renewable energy, in addition to the diversity of its uses in various sectors such as industry, refining, transport, electricity generation and others, which will be reflected in the decrease in emissions in these sectors.

He indicated that Jordan has started preparing a roadmap for hydrogen production and use, whether at the local level or for export purposes, and preparing the necessary legislation.

Kharabsheh encouraged working in a participatory approach to establish an international hydrogen trade aimed at ensuring clean energy for everyone.