Senior adviser Soleng and HRH Prince Asem engaged in discussions on how to further develop the already existing cooperation on solar technology between the Philadelphia University in Jordan and Narvik University College, whilst ambassador Ølberg proved his interest to get Norwegian authorities involved in cooperation on the regional and national level. Norwegian development cooperation has substantially increased its funding for renewable energy in emerging economies during the last couple of years, through a programme entitled “Clean energy for development”. An engagement from Norwegian authorities to help develop renewable energy in Jordan would be in accordance with this policy.
Jordan is a small country with limited natural resources, lacking fresh water and oil. As a result of Jordans dependency on external sources for the majority of its energy requirements, the country is currently exploring ways to expand its limited water supply and use its existing water resources more efficiently. Egypt is Jordan’s main energy provider, but the bilateral accord with the neighbour expires in 2016. Sunshine, on the other hand is a largely underexploited energy resource in Jordan, with an average of 197 sunny days per year. The main focus for HRH Prince Asem and the Jordanian Renewable Energy Society is thus to develop solar technology, with the aspiration of making Jordan energy self-sufficient in the future.
To Norway, cooperation with other countries in developing renewable energy resources represents a valuable experience because it permits researchers to put theory in to practice, and gain diversified competence. Senior adviser Soleng states that “Jordan’s high ambitions with regards to developing solar technology represent a foundation for cooperation also with private Norwegian companies”.