Light under the sun

The minister of energy and mineral resources Sunday said that Jordan is considering importing natural gas from Cyprus, just after reports about a decision to purchase gas from Israel.

This is all being done as the state-owned National Electric Power Company’s losses are projected to rise to JD1.35 billion by the end of 2014.

The energy crisis facing the country is serious; it prompted the minister to say that Jordan is open to all options for securing natural gas. Jordanian companies are allowed to import natural gas from any and whatever source.

The Kingdom used to import natural gas from Egypt, but acts of sabotage repeatedly blew up the pipeline carrying gas to Jordan across the Sinai desert.

Logically the country cannot allow itself to depend on only one energy source. Only, it has to be wise in choosing the suppliers.

The vision for the country’s economic development cannot be transformed into reality in the absence of reliable and affordable sources of energy.

Vital national interests require uninterrupted generation of energy, in the absence of which Jordan cannot plan for the future or set targets.

But if import of energy sources cannot be ruled out, neither should alternative sources of energy.

News about plans to rely more on alternative energy has been plenty, but as soon as one project is announced, it is shot down.

It may be costly to develop a grid relying on solar or wind energy, but in the long run, in a country like Jordan, the first choice at least is bound to pay off.

Sun is abundant most of the year and no pollution is involved in the generation of electricity, which should weigh heavily in the equation.

So what holds officials back from going ahead in earnest with such endeavour?

Depending on this or that country for our energy needs carries risks. Why be at the mercy of the whims of a fickle provider when nature was generous enough, at least where the sun is concerned?