The Prime Minister of Jordan, Dr. Abdullah Ensour has laid the first cornerstone for the Tafila project at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by government officials and representatives from the project’s sponsors, lenders, advisors and contractors.

In his speech to the distinguished audience, the Chairman of the Board of the Jordan Wind Project Company (JWPC), Samer Judeh said, “With His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision and direction in mind we have taken the first step towards an effective solution to the energy problem in Jordan. The kingdom is rich in sources of renewable energy, and given the current political situation in the region, it is important for us to become less dependent on traditional sources of energy, and invest in more sustainable, dependable and environmentally friendly sources available to us here at home.” He added, “JWPC’s Tafila Wind Farm project has brought together a group of distinguished international investors and lenders which only reinforces the feasibility of the project as well as attesting to the unique investment environment and opportunities available in Jordan.”

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mohammad Hamed said the project is hoped to effectively contribute to the diversification of energy sources in Jordan and achieve greater energy security. He pledged that the government would do its best to overcome any obstacles that the project may encounter. Jordan’s comprehensive national strategy for energy is aimed at diversifying sources, reducing dependence on imports, and obtaining 10% of the Kingdom’s energy from renewable sources.