Jordan plans to further expands its renewable energy infrastructure through a fresh auction of solar and wind energy projects this month.
According to media reports, Jordan’s Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources will launch 400-700 MW tender for solar and wind energy this month. This tender will be the third auction of solar power projects and second for wind energy projects.
In May 2015, Jordan allocated 200 MW of solar PV power projects in the second round auction, after a total of 33 companies had submitted technical proposals to set up power projects. However, only 24 of them submitted financial bids eventually. Four developers submitting the lowest bids would be selected to develop 50 MW capacity each. The lowest tariff bid has been submitted by a Greek company, SUNRISE Photovoltaic Systems, which placed a bid of just US¢6.13 per kWh. Saudi Oger, Fotowatio Solar Renewable Ventures and Hareon Solar also secured 50 MW project each.
In February 2015, the government auctioned 200 MW solar and wind energy capacity. It was the first ever-renewable energy in Jordan.
Jordan has set a target to install 600 MW solar PV capacity and 1,200 MW wind energy capacity by 2020 to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. To reach the 2020 renewable energy target and further enhance clean energy infrastructure the country has established the Jordan Renewable Energy and Efficiency Fund which is financed by the government as well as international donors like the French Development Agency and the World Bank.
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