Energy efficiency is the best opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance economic development and improve energy security all at the same time. In Jordan, it is estimated that more than 20% of national energy use can be reduced through improved energy efficiency, and other countries in the region have similar opportunities.

Energy efficiency is a key element of Jordan's Energy Sector Master Plan. In recognition of the importance of international cooperation, Jordan is also working with other countries in the region, through initiatives such as the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Partnership, UNEP's Plan Bleu, and the Global Environment Facility.

This workshop drew on international experience and existing commitments to identify key practical steps to improve energy efficiency in Jordan and the region. Through a cooperative dialogue between governments, industry and international experts, this workshop elaborated clear steps towards strengthening national and regional initiatives through pragmatic action.

This workshop identified opportunities in and challenges to energy efficiency policies and measures and their practical implementation, with special focus on industry and investment both in Jordan and in the region. The workshop also aimed to foster greater synergies between the different regional energy efficiency initiatives. By attending the workshop, participants obtained a comprehensive overview of energy efficiency prospects both in Jordan and in the region.

Jordan is a signatory to the 1991 Energy Charter and is currently in the process of accession to the Energy Charter Treaty. This demonstrates Jordan's continuing commitment to open and transparent trade and investment in energy, and its desire to work actively with the international community in addressing today's energy challenges. Energy efficiency is an important part of this commitment.

This workshop came as part of the Energy Charter Secretariat's activities to promote the principles of the Energy Charter Treaty and Process within the region.

Programme and Presentations

Opening Session

Hosted by Mr. Walid Shahin, Acting President, National Energy Research Center

Opening Speech by H.E. Mr. Khaldoun Qteishat, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources

Special Intervention by by Amb. Jan-Meinte Postma, Netherlands Energy Envoy for the Ministry of Economic Affairs

Address by Amb. André Mernier, Secretary General, Energy Charter Secretariat

Address by H.E. Eng. Yarub Qudah, CEO, Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation

Session I: Energy Charter Process: Perspectives for Jordan

The Energy Charter Treaty and Process
by Mr. Pascal Laffont, Senior Expert, Energy Charter Secretariat - Session Chair

Status of Jordan's Accession to the ECT and its Significance
by Eng. Mahmoud Al-Ees, Director of the Planning Department, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources

Session II: Energy Efficiency Policy, institutions and the role for international cooperation

Energy Efficiency in Jordan
by Eng. Walid Shahin, Acting President, National Energy Research Center - Session Chair

Promoting Competitiveness through Energy Efficiency
by Ms. Hana Uraidi, Director of Cross-Cutting Directorate, Jordan Enterprise

The Energy Charter Experience: 10 Years of Progress on Energy Efficiency
by Mr. Gene McGlynn, Senior Expert, Energy Charter Secretariat

Energy Efficiency Institutions in Turkey
by Mr. Ersoy Metin, Planning Division, Electrical Power Resources Survey and Development Administration (EIE), Turkey

Session III: Energy Efficiency: Implementation challenges in Jordan

Energy Efficiency and the Environment: The Water Challenge
by Mr. Raouf Dabbas, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Environment - Session Chair

Making Energy Efficiency Work for Business
by Mr. Adnan Abu Al Ragheb, Jordan Chamber of Industry

Energy Efficiency Labelling and Implementation
by Eng. Qais Azzam, Standardisation Department - Standards Preparation Division, Jordan Institution for Standards and Metrology

Energy Efficiency: The Investors Dimension
by Mr. Ennis Rimawi, Catalyst Private Equity (presented by Eng. Hisham Mikhi, Millenium Energy Industries)

Session IV: Energy Efficiency as a key to regional energy policy

Project Financing
by Dr. Philipp Godron, CIM Expert on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation - Session Chair

Euromed Energy Partnership
by Mr. Omar Abu Eid, Environment and Energy Focal Point, Development and Regional Cooperation Section, the European Commission Delegation

Technical and Economic Potential of Energy Efficiency in the MENA-Region: Experiences from EU-Projects
by Mr. Klaus Wenzel, Senior Business Developer, gtz International Services, Germany

Budget Allocation Chart
by Mr. Ammar Al-Taher, Regional RE/EE Marketing Expert MED-EMIP Project, Cairo

Regional Strategies and Initiatives in Energy Efficiency
Mr. Benoit Lebot, Climate Change Technical Advisor, UNDP - Environment Finance Group

Roundtable

Moderator: Amb. Jan-Meinte Postma, Special Energy Envoy for the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Netherlands

The round table discussed key steps to be taken by industry, government and international organisations to promote greater energy efficiency in Jordan and the region. These have been compiled into a Stakeholders' Action Plan that identifies key priorities for further activities. This action plan reflects the combined wisdom of a range of experts and provides a strong basis for future action on energy efficiency.

Roundtable participants