Jordan seeks solar energy projects

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) AMMAN Dec 27 (KUNA) -- The Jordanian government on Sunday signed a deal with Saudi Oger Ltd to purchase electricity from a solar-run power plant executed by Oger to generate 50 megawatt which cost USD 100 million.The purchase is part of a development project in Al-Safawi 140 kilometers east of the capital Amman and at a price of 65 cents per kilowatt per hour.Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy Ghalem Maabreh said that renewable energy projects are vital to meet increasing energy demands in the country.The Jordanian government had previously signed renewable energy project deals with four companies in line with the country's national energy strategy that seeks to boost reliance on local energy resources including solar and wind.The Kingdom will have renewable energy projects with total capacity of 1600 megawatts by the end of 2018 Maabreh added. (end) ab.nam