Khaberni - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources held, on Thursday, a steering committee meeting for the project "Enhancing Zero Energy Homes and Buildings" implemented in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the presence of representatives from partner entities and steering committee members.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Amani Al-Azzam, emphasized the importance of continuous partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, appreciating the technical support provided by the agency for national projects in the areas of energy efficiency and climate action, reflecting the commitment of both sides to sustainable development and enhancing energy security.
Al-Azzam noted that the building sector is among the most promising sectors in reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions, emphasizing that the move towards zero energy consumption buildings in Jordan is an environmental priority, and a strategic goal that is economic, social, and aligns with national energy and climate policies.
She pointed out that the project adopts a comprehensive and integrated approach, not limited to technical solutions only but includes developing regulatory frameworks, legislations, and supportive policies that ensure the long-term implementation of the concept of zero energy consumption buildings.
Al-Azzam highlighted the importance of designing innovative and practical financing windows that contribute to transforming policies into implementable projects, through mobilizing funding from public and private sectors, reducing investment risks, and providing attractive financial mechanisms that accelerate the implementation pace and encourage private sector participation.
In turn, the chief representative of the JICA office in Jordan, Moriheata Shingo, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation with the ministry in the Zero Energy Homes and Buildings project in the coming years.
Shingo explained that the agency would continue its technical support to the ministry through energy efficiency and climate action projects, reflecting the commitment of both sides to sustainable development and achieving best practices.
On her part, the project director, engineer Ola Sarkan, stated that the project's goal is to conduct technical and economic studies to introduce zero-energy buildings and homes (ZEB/ZEH), develop a financial incentives mechanism, and prepare drafts of policies and effective dissemination systems to enhance the application of clean energy technologies, in alignment with the national plans for sustainable energy (such as NEEAP IV).
During the meeting, participants from the ministry and the agency presented various papers discussing a comprehensive assessment of the project, the work plan for the next year, the activities implemented, and the recommendations.
