ISRAEL, JORDAN, UAE RENEWABLE COOPERATION
PLATTS- 22 Nov 2021 - Israel, Jordan and the UAE plan to collaborate on developing renewable power projects in the Middle East amid greater cooperation among the three countries that have peace agreements supported by the US.
The three countries signed Nov. 22 in Dubai "a landmark declaration of intent to build renewable electricity and water desalination capacity and address the threat posed by climate change on energy and water security in the region", UAE state-run Wam news agency reported.
"The declaration of intent consists of two interdependent and contingent components. One, Prosperity Green, plans for solar photovoltaic plants generating capacity of 600 MW to be built in Jordan, with all clean power produced to be exported to Israel."
Feasibility studies for the project are due to start in 2022, Wam said.
Economic cooperation between Israel and the UAE has accelerated since the signing of a peace agreement in September 2020. Israel and Jordan signed a peace agreement in 1994.
Sustainable development
"Following the UAE's confirmation as host of COP 28 in 2023, the UAE is keen to demonstrate how this region can raise climate ambition in ways that together enhance sustainable development, stability and prosperity," UAE minister of industry and advanced technology and special envoy for climate change Sultan al-Jaber said, according to Wam.
Resource barren Jordan is developing renewable energy to lower its expense energy bill. Israel plans to generate 30% of its power from renewables by 2030.
"Today's initiative is a welcome example of how cooperation can accelerate the energy transition and build greater resilience to the impacts of climate change," said John Kerry, US special presidential envoy for climate, who witnessed the signing ceremony in Dubai, according to Wam.
"The United States is impressed by the courageous and creative steps by the parties that made this declaration possible, and looks forward to working with the parties, as well as with others in the region and around the world, to turn our shared climate challenge into an opportunity to build a more prosperous future."
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