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August 27, 2026 – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh today witnessed the signing of a strategic agreement between the National Advanced Natural Gas Company (Watani) and Al-Qatrana Cement Company to supply and distribute natural gas to Al-Qatrana Cement’s plant, as part of efforts to expand the use of natural gas in the industrial sector and provide more efficient and reliable energy solutions.

The agreement was signed by Watani Director General Eng. Khaled Al-Zoubi and Al-Qatrana Cement CEO Amer Al-Khatib.

Al-Kharabsheh said the agreement is part of the ministry’s efforts to diversify energy sources, enhance energy security, support the national economy and industrial sector, and advance the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision.

He said the ministry is working to expand the natural gas network to cover various industrial areas, noting that the network currently reaches Al-Qastal and Al-Hashmiyah. An agreement has also been signed to extend natural gas supplies to the Al-Rawdah area in Ma’an and to Al-Muwaqqar, while the necessary studies are being prepared to extend the network to Mafraq and Zarqa.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to explore energy resources and develop solutions that reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, stressing that Jordanian companies now cover various stages of the natural gas supply chain.

Watani Director General Eng. Khaled Al-Zoubi said the agreement is not merely a conventional commercial relationship between a supplier and a consumer, but rather a “strategic partnership” that reflects the company’s commitment to providing reliable supplies and integrated solutions for the industrial sector.

Al-Qatrana Cement CEO Amer Al-Khatib said the project to transition to natural gas represents a “strategic decision” aimed at improving operational efficiency, diversifying energy sources and reducing costs, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability of the company’s operations.

Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Eng. Ziad Al-Saaydeh said the commission supports projects aimed at transitioning to natural gas by providing the necessary regulatory and technical framework and ensuring safety and efficiency requirements. Such efforts, he added, enhance energy security and strengthen the competitiveness of the industrial sector.

Under the agreement, Watani will supply the plant with compressed natural gas (CNG) in accordance with the agreed specifications, quantities and delivery schedules, as well as applicable regulatory and technical requirements. The gas will be used primarily for power generation and industrial heating processes.

During the first phase, the plant’s annual natural gas requirements are expected to range between 450,000 and 700,000 million British thermal units (MMBTU), with the use of natural gas gradually expanding over the coming years to cover most of the plant’s energy needs. Actual gas supplies are scheduled to begin in early 2027, following the completion of the required technical works and infrastructure, as well as obtaining the necessary approvals and licenses.

The agreement includes the establishment of an integrated gas receiving system at the plant, the installation of gas storage tanks, pressure-reduction units, metering systems and the necessary technical equipment. The gas will be transported in sealed tanks mounted on mobile trailers.

The agreement will remain in effect for five years from the date of the first successful supply operation and will be automatically renewed for a similar period in accordance with its terms. Meanwhile, approvals related to the gas receiving station, engineering designs, infrastructure works, safety requirements and inspections are being completed.