Khaberni - Energy expert Mubarak Al-Tahrawi said 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", confirming that Jordan is close to achieving gas self-sufficiency within the next three years.
Al-Tahrawi explained in radio statements that gas production from the Risha field increased from 9 million to 75 million cubic feet per day, expecting production to 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 that "Jordan will not only cover its gas needs for electricity generation but may also become able to export", indicating that the announced reserve in the field ranges between 12 and 14 trillion cubic feet, which only represents 10% of the extensive Risha basin stretching from the Syrian border to the Iraqi and Saudi borders, making the potential for expansion much greater.
Al-Tahrawi pointed out that the cooperation between the National Petroleum Company and the Logistic Oil Company (Gowotec) along with the National Electric Power Company in the new agreement will contribute to improving efficiency in transportation, liquefaction, and local usage of gas, noting that the project to connect the Risha field to the Arab Gas Pipeline by 2029 will enable Jordan to export any surplus to regional countries.
Al-Tahrawi concluded his statement by emphasizing that what is happening in Risha "is not a pilot plan but a tangible reality", considering that investing in this resource will cause a major economic shift that contributes to reducing the budget deficit and creating new job opportunities for Jordanians.
