Jordan feed factory adds 2MW solar project to cut energy costs

JORDAN – A 2-megawatt solar energy project has been inaugurated at the Khairat Al-Shamal – Dajaj Al-Khair feed factory in Mafraq, combining solar power generation with renewable-energy-based steam production for industrial operations.

Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh inaugurated the project on Monday, which comprises a 1MW photovoltaic plant for electricity generation and a separate 1MW PV-to-Heat system.

The PV-to-Heat system uses electricity generated from solar power to produce industrial steam, with a capacity of up to 1.35 tonnes per hour. 

The technology is expected to support the feed factory’s energy requirements while increasing its use of locally generated renewable energy.

Kharabsheh said the project demonstrates integration between Jordan’s industrial, agricultural and production sectors, while highlighting the potential for renewable energy to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.

The investment also aligns with Jordan’s National Energy Sector Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy’s share of the country’s electricity generation mix to about 40% by 2035.

According to Kharabsheh, renewable energy currently accounts for about 27% of Jordan’s electricity mix, up from less than 1% around 12 years ago.

He said the government would continue supporting renewable energy and storage technologies to improve the competitiveness of economic sectors and reduce energy costs.

Energy security remains a key challenge for Jordan, with the government seeking to increase reliance on domestic energy sources, including renewable energy and local natural gas, to reduce exposure to fluctuations in global energy markets.

For the feed industry, the project highlights the growing role of renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies in reducing the operating costs associated with industrial production. 

The integration of solar electricity and steam generation also provides an example of how feed factories can use renewable energy beyond conventional power generation.

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