Jordan seeks hydrogen investments in new gas law

Jordan is planning a new law to attract investment in hydrogen, biomethane and other related projects as it pushes ahead with plans to develop its desert gas fields.

The cabinet has approved the new law which is being debated by parliament for final endorsement, the parliament said on its website page this week.

“It comes as a direct response to the requirements of the next phase in the energy sector, whether in terms of security of supply, the gradual transition towards clean energy, or strengthening the national energy infrastructure,” Ayman Abu Hanieh, head of the energy and mineral resources committee, was quoted as saying.

Abu Hanieh added that the law would allow Jordan “to keep pace with technological and investment developments in this vital sector”.

The statement said the new law would govern various activities, including gas sale, import, transport, distribution and storage. 

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Jordan’s energy and mineral resources minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh said the legislation aims to develop the energy sector and upgrade operational efficiency.

Jordan is an oil and gas importer but it expects to slash gas imports after a project to develop its sole gas field is completed.

In November its government approved nearly JD35 million ($50 million) to develop the field in the eastern desert.

The funds were part of a five-year plan that will expand the production of Risha field by nearly seven times. In 2024 Risha field was expanded to produce nearly 62 million cubic feet per day (mcf/d) and the current five-year development plan will lift output to 418 mcf/d.