Khaberni - Energy expert Mubarak Al-Tahrawi stated that the natural gas supply agreement from the Risha field to the Jordanian electrical system represents "a historic event and a fundamental transformation in the course of national energy," asserting that Jordan is close to achieving gas self-sufficiency within the next three years.
Al-Tahrawi explained in radio statements that the gas production from the Risha field has increased from 9 million to 75 million cubic feet per day, anticipating that production will reach 400 million cubic feet per day by 2028 after implementing a plan to drill 80 new wells in cooperation with a Kuwaiti company.
He added that this development means practically that "Jordan will not only cover its gas needs for electricity generation, but might also become capable of exporting," noting that the announced reserve in the field ranges between 12 and 14 trillion cubic feet, and it only represents 10% of the expansive Risha basin which extends from the Syrian border to the Iraqi and Saudi borders, making the potential for expansion much greater.
Al-Tahrawi highlighted that the cooperation between the National Petroleum Company, the Oil Logistics Company (Gootech), and the National Electricity Company within the new agreement will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of transport, liquefaction, and local usage of gas, pointing out that a project to connect the Risha field with the Arab Gas Pipeline by 2029 will enable Jordan to export the surplus to regional countries.
Al-Tahrawi concluded his statement by affirming that what is happening in Risha "is not a pilot plan but a tangible reality," considering that investing in this resource will lead to a major economic shift that will help reduce the budget deficit and create new job opportunities for Jordanians.
