(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Aqaba, Aug. 21 (Petra) – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), on Thursday concluded the energy efficiency project targeting Aqaba hotels rated four stars and below.
The project was fully funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and included energy audits for 12 hotels. It is expected to yield annual energy savings of around 260 megawatt-hours, financial savings of approximately JD21,000, and a reduction in carbon emissions by 135 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The Ministry of Energy, through the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF), contributed 25 percent of the JD300,000 project cost, with the ASEZA matching that share, bringing total direct support to 50 percent. Implemented measures included the replacement of outdated air conditioning units with high-efficiency systems, the installation of LED lighting, the use of solar water heating systems, and improvements to hotel exteriors.
The ASEZA Chairperson, Shadi Majal, underlined the ASEZA's commitment to supporting the tourism sector in Aqaba, describing the initiative as an example of effective cooperation between public institutions and the private sector. He proposed expanding similar projects to include residential homes, thereby supporting local communities.
The JREEEF Executive Director, Rasmi Hamzeh, highlighted the project's role in enhancing the competitiveness of Aqaba's hotels, improving services, and generating employment opportunities. He detailed that the JREEEF and the ASEZA will continue cooperation to extend efficiency projects to other critical sectors, including industry and commerce. He added that all places of worship in Aqaba have already been equipped with solar panels to ease electricity costs.
Project contractor representative Ramzi Ghanem from Izzat Marji Company explained that the initiative aimed to reduce electricity costs, enhance sustainability, and improve operational efficiency in the hotel sector, achieving savings equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 40 households.
The project forms part of the Ministry's broader strategy to promote renewable energy adoption and reduce conventional energy consumption in Aqaba, one of Jordan's most significant tourist destinations.

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