Khaberni - Jordan's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, and the Chairman of the Palestinian Energy Authority and Natural Resources, Ayman Ismail, signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of electrical interconnection, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and develop interconnection projects between the two sides.
Al-Kharabsheh confirmed that the signing of the memorandum reflects the depth of the relationship between the two sides, embodying the commitment to enhancing cooperation in the energy field which contributes to achieving electrical security and integrating the electricity systems in the region.
He pointed out that Jordan's resources are available and utilized to serve the Palestinian side, under the direction and support of His Majesty King Abdullah II, who gives special priority to the Palestinian cause, indicating Jordan's commitment to providing various forms of cooperation to enable the Palestinians to achieve self-sufficiency in the energy field through the Jordanian side.
The Chairman of the Palestinian Energy Authority and Natural Resources, Ayman Ismail, stated that the memorandum of understanding represents an important step towards developing the infrastructure of the electricity sector in Palestine and improving its operational efficiency, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the Jordanian side in implementing future joint projects.
Ismail appreciated the longstanding bilateral relations between Jordan and Palestine, which extend to various fields, praising the qualitative leap observed in the electrical interconnection project between the sides, and its significant impact during the recent heat wave, where it contributed to meeting the basic needs of Jericho Governorate and extending service to the outskirts of Jerusalem Governorate.
He emphasized the endeavors of both parties to supply electricity through the interconnection project to the city of Jerusalem in the future, which will enhance the independence of the Palestinian energy sector and deepen the joint cooperation between the two countries.
The General Manager of the National Electric Power Company of Jordan, Sofian Al-Batayneh, explained that the memorandum is a continuation of the joint cooperation efforts, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the electrical connection between the sides, affirming that Jordan continues to develop networks and technical infrastructure to support the needs of the Palestinian side.
The memorandum aims to document bilateral cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and the exchange of technical expertise and information, contributing to diversifying energy supply sources and improving the efficiency and reliability of electrical networks.
The memorandum includes cooperation in technical and economic studies funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and conducted by the global consulting firm (CESI) to determine the best technical options for establishing new electrical connection points.
The memorandum stipulated the formation of a joint technical and administrative committee responsible for following up on the implementation of its provisions and overseeing the related projects, in addition to coordinating with the donor entities to secure the necessary funding for future electrical interconnection projects.
It should be noted that the electrical interconnection project between the National Electric Power Company of Jordan and the Jerusalem Electricity Company began in 2008 from the Al-Sweimeh station at a voltage of 33 kV with a capacity ranging between 20 to 30 megawatts to power the city of Jericho and the surrounding areas, before later operating Al-Rama station near the border which contributed to increasing the exported capacity to about 80 megawatts and supplying other areas in the West Bank, thus enhancing the reliability of the electrical networks and developing technical cooperation between the sides.
