An informed source revealed that consultations are currently underway between the government and foreign private sector entities to establish a new oil shale power plant in central Jordan. The proposed facility would be located near the Attarat power station, allowing it to leverage existing infrastructure and generation capacity. According to the source who spoke to Al Ghad on the condition of anonymity, if the project moves forward, the new plant could be developed at a lower cost—estimated at around $1.25 billion—compared to the $2.2 billion cost of the Attarat plant. This cost advantage is attributed to the availability of existing infrastructure, which would enable more efficient and economical electricity production. The source added that the current Attarat plant has a generation capacity of 480 megawatts, accounting for approximately 17% of domestic electricity production. Of this total, about 455 megawatts are supplied to the national grid, while the remainder is used internally to support the plant’s operational processes.The source stated that “international partners in the Attarat project have expressed their willingness to contribute 50% of the financing for the new project, should it proceed, with the remaining 50% to be provided locally, including a government share. The source added that the power plant could be completed within two years of construction, given the availability of existing infrastructure.” In this context, Mohammad Al-Maayta, a member of the board of directors of Attarat Power Company, said: “The introduction of oil shale into Jordan’s energy mix is part of a strategic choice adopted by the government in 2007, aimed at enhancing energy security and mitigating the impact of gas supply disruptions.” (ICE AMMAN)

Fonte notizia: alghad