Case Study

Accreditation supporting the provision of solar energy in Jordan

Summary

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is mostly dependent on oil, but this source of energy is non-renewable and also comes from the outer boundary of the kingdom. To protect the environment for future generations, the Kingdom’s goal is to use clean sources with less cost, but with the same efficiency. The use of solar cells as an alternative to oil is an optimal choice, and to ensure the efficiency of these cells, they are tested by accredited bodies.

Background

Jordan has an effective solar distribution system to generate electricity. Solar energy is widely used for water heating, especially in the domestic sector. To ensure the efficiency of these solar cells, they are tested in an accredited lab according to ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, and the scope of accreditation includes the international test methods issued by international standardization organizations.This choice of clean energy delivers cost-saving energy efficiency solutions, and facilitates universal access to energy services, increasing the proportion of the population with access to clean electricity.

Strategy

Solar energy, like other alternative energies, remains underutilized in Jordan.

The government authority in Jordan conducted awareness sessions and supported citizens to use solar cells in the domestic sector to equip households with solar water heating systems. The solar energy potential in Jordan is enormous, as it lies within the solar belt of the world with average solar radiation ranging between 5 and 7 KWh/m2, which implies a potential of at least 1000GWh per year.

Results and Impact

By law, the system of exemptions from tax and customs duties was issued by the Jordanian Government – Financial Ministry / Income and Sales Tax Department for manufacturers, importers, and companies and institutions implementing renewable energy systems and rationalizing consumption and inputs to their production of goods, Regulation No. (13) of 2015 & system No. (50) of 2018.

–  Granting approval to applications for exemption of renewable energy systems, equipment and devices and energy conservation from customs duties and general sales tax (jordan.gov.jo)

–  Laboratory Tests – Energy Efficiency (jordan.gov.jo)

–  Regulations of the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Law – Ministry of Finance Income and Sales Tax Department (istd.gov.jo)

Contact

Jordanian Accreditation and Standardization System-Accreditation Unit (JAS-AU)