January 28, 2025 - The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund, affiliated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, signed an agreement to launch the second phase of the Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Project SEED II, funded by the Canadian government in the amount of 11 million dinars, with aim of enhancing energy efficiency and renewable energy in the southern Jordan Valley region.

Director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund "Rasmi Hamza" stressed during the signing of the agreement that this project is an important step towards strengthening the partnership with the Canadian government in order to achieve the Kingdom of Jordan development goals  and its commitment to achieve  sustainable development through the application of innovative solutions in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency, adding that this cooperation will positively reflect on local communities in the southern Jordan Valley and enhance their capabilities in various fields.

For his part, Director General of the Economic Development and Sustainable Energy Project SEED, Eng. Muhammad Ramadan, expressed that the agreement aims to cover the southern Jordan Valley through projects that will be provided in partnership with the Energy Fund to empower it socially and economically and create job opportunities for women and the local community, noting that this project came as a continuation for The first phase which was successful in Ajloun Governorate and Deir Alla District, where solutions were implemented to increase energy efficiency and use renewable energy for 11 government buildings, including 6 government schools and 5 health centers. In addition, renewable energy solutions were applied to the municipalities of Deir Alla and Al-Maadi by implementing two solar power stations with a capacity of 952 kilowatts each. In addition, solar cells with a capacity of 52 kilowatts were installed for the Ajloun Archaeological Castle, and separate photovoltaic cell systems were installed for 4 protection towers belonging to Ajloun Forests, operating independently of the electricity grid. According to the agreement, the project will be implemented over a period of five years, in parallel between the energy, water and food sectors (NEXUS) to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development in the region. The project is expected to contribute to support the local economy and improve the quality of life in local communities.

The second phase of the project includes implementing a set of activities aimed at enhancing community awareness of the importance of renewable energy and its efficient use, in addition to implement effective solutions in many government and service facilities by establishing an electric charging station, and implementing energy audit studies for many government buildings in the southern Jordan Valley, in addition to improve  energy efficiency in three government schools and three health centers.

The second phase of the project includes providing training programs for workers in small and medium enterprises and civil society institutions, in addition to develop entrepreneurship programs with the aim of creating new employment opportunities in various sectors, in addition to build the capacities of municipalities in the region.