In a partnership between the National Energy Research Center (NERC) and USAID Jordan an event was held to mark the conclusion of a project to develop alternative and innovative energy solutions to face the challenges of Jordan’s energy sector. The Project – Biogas Research and Development-, focuses on the design of a biogas unit, and installing it in one of the animal farms in Khalediya – Mafraq. for electricity generation. The celebration took place in Mafraq at Al Khalediya Municipality, and was attended by the Mayor of Khalediya, Acting President of the NERC, President of Al- Mafraq Cattle Breeders Society (CBS), USAIDUSAID Jordan officials and guests.
The project consisted of designing a biogas unit and installing it in one of the animal farms for electricity generation. This waste-to-energy project utilizes unused sources of waste for energy production. The project uses anaerobic digestion of organic waste to recycle waste produced in arid, rural settlements. The project adapted available technology for use in arid areas, and provided training for local farmers on how to use the system to generate energy for their use.
Energy imports, pose a burden on the economy which should encourage the development of alternative energy solutions to face the challenges of Jordan’s energy sector. Guests attending the ceremony visited the biogas unit/digester that has been installed in a small animal farm in Khalidiya, and listened to a brief on how the produced biogas by the digesters was used to generate electricity.
Dr Ruba Jaradat, from the USAIDUSAID Economic Growth Office said that USAIDUSAID has focused in its operations on supporting a number of energy efficiency related issues, such as regulatory reform, public-private partnerships, and access to credit. “USAIDUSAID supports efforts to find renewable sources of energy that would enhance sustainable economic growth,” she added.
The USAIDUSAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. The Program’s mission is to support sectors and activities in alignment with His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision for a Knowledge-based Economy, by inserting Jordanian enterprises into global value chains, promoting investment, and improving the enabling environment to generate value added jobs, exports, foreign direct investment, and sector revenues as a powerful engine of economic growth.
Source – http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100526102648
