The UAE, Jordan, and Israel have signed an agreement to develop a renewable energy and desalination facility in the Hashemite kingdom in order to combat climate change and contribute to the country’s clean energy growth.
According to the statement, they will construct solar photovoltaic plants with the capacity to generate 600 megawatts of electricity in Jordan. The electricity will be exported to neighboring Israel, a country that shares a peace treaty with Amman.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said, “Climate change is already having a major impact on countries and communities in the Middle East. As we prepare to host Cop28 in the UAE in 2023, we demonstrate with this declaration that all nations can work together to further the energy transition and build a more sustainable future for all.”
“The UAE is pleased to play a role in bringing Israel and Jordan together in an initiative that reinforces both countries’ climate security and common interests. This declaration is just one of the positive outcomes of the Abraham Accords that is serving to reinforce regional peace, stability, and prosperity while improving the lives and the future prospects of all the people of the region,” Sheikh Abdullah said.
“All residents of the Middle East will benefit from this memorandum of understanding, not just Jordan and Israel. This is a message to the world on how countries can act together to fight the climate crisis,” Israeli Energy Minister Ms. Karine Elharrar noted.
As per the reports, the UAE has invested in Jordan’s power grid, assisting the country in its efforts to decarbonize by constructing renewable energy plants. UAE’s renewable energy company Masdar is an early developer of renewables in Jordan.
“Climate change and the influx of refugees have further exacerbated Jordan’s water challenges, however, there are many opportunities for regional co-operation to help increase sustainability in the sector,” remarked Mr. Mohammad Al Najjar, Jordan’s Minister of Water and Irrigation.
