'Energy summit to witness signing of several deals'

AMMAN — Deals for several energy projects are expected to be signed during the second Jordan International Energy Summit (JIES), which kicks off on May 17, the government said on Monday.

Participants in the conference are scheduled to look into a comprehensive overview of the key issues facing Jordan’s energy sector and offer wider insight into the role that the Kingdom plays as the primary energy hub in the region, the organisers said. 

The event will be covering investment challenges and opportunities in different energy sectors, as well as updates on the new oil pipeline project connecting Iraq, Jordan and Egypt.

“During the two-day summit, we will also shed light on investment opportunities in the energy sector…The event will also provide a platform for exchange of ideas and cooperation in the field,” Energy Minister Ibrahim Saif told reporters.

Several Arab and non-Arab energy ministers, officials and experts will take part in the JIES, which will also attract research centres and representatives of organisations working in the sector.

Projects in natural gas, oil shale, mining, renewable energy and oil and gas exploration will be discussed during the summit, which will feature sessions on various energy-related laws in Jordan.

Participants in the event include Mohamed Shaker El Markabi, minister of electricity and renewable energy of Egypt; Ahmad Khalid Al Jassar, minister of electricity and water of Kuwait; Salah Khebri, minister of energy and mines in Algeria; Adil Abdul Mahdi, minister of oil in Iraq; and Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, minister of energy, commerce industry and tourism in Cyprus; according to the summit’s agenda.