Jordan signs major clean energy deals with ABB and Masdar

Jordan has signed new agreements with Swiss company ABB and the UAE-based renewable energy firm Masdar for major solar power projects.

The announcement was made at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi last week and is part of the Middle Eastern country’s bid to increase renewable energy capacity.

At the Abu Dhabi summit, ABB revealed that it has signed a substation supply deal for a 52.5 megawatt project being developed in Jordan by First Solar.

ABB also confirmed a new central inverter supply contract with EPC Martifer Solar for a 50 megawatt project under development.

The 50 megawatt project will include four different photovoltaic plants — a 20 megawatt plant and three 10 megawatt plants in size with ABB supplying its “Ultra” central inverters.

The plants are being built near the cities of Ma’an and Mafraq by Portuguese firm Martifer Solar.

In a recent interview, ABB communications manager Jyotsna Ravishankar said: “Of all the MENA countries, Jordan has the clearest legislation for solar PV development… The country also has first-mover advantage and because it lacks many natural energy resources has had to import energy. Now, there is a clear mandate to focus on solar.”

Masdar is working with Jordan’s Ministry of Energy to develop a 200 megawatt solar PV project in the country.

The project will be the largest installation of its type in Jordan and the total investment for the project will be an estimated $200 million, according to reports.