Norwegian Refugee Council to install solar water heaters for Jordanians hosting Syrian refugees

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Jordan, in cooperation with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will install 160 solar hot water systems as part of a renewable energy project designed to contribute to the government's 2020 renewable energy goals in the energy mix.

Funded under the European Union’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program in Jordan and signed with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, this Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Demonstration (REEE) project will prove the economic feasibility, technical efficiency and reliability of renewable energy at a municipal and household level and establish the viability of integrating energy sustainability with humanitarian assistance.

"Jordan imports more than 97% of its energy. Green energy is a major part of Jordan’s energy mix, set in the energy strategy of 2007-2020," said Dr. Galeb Maabreh Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. "Our project with NRC will illustrate the feasibility of using green energy and will hopefully create a replicable model." He added.

Head of the EU Delegation Andrea Matteo Fontana said, "EU is today a main partner to Jordan in Green Energy development with more than 145 million Euro bilateral support devoted to institutional, legal, regulatory and technical development. We support the essential grid expansion: the Green Corridor through our blending facilities, where we provide grants and EU financial institutions provide loans. We are happy to announce the adoption of the new support programme: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency II (REEE II) which is 30% of the EU support to Jordan under the 2014-2017 bilateral strategy." In exchange for the installation of solar hot water systems, Jordanian landlords in Ajloun, Irbid and Jerash will provide Syrian refugee families security of tenure and reduced rent for one year.

Annika Hampson, NRC’s Shelter Specialist said, "By supporting the energy sector NRC can contribute to the significant financial, environmental and social strains faced by Jordanian host communities and the lack of adequate and affordable housing options for Syrian refugee families".

Emad Al Shdooh, a Jordanian landlord who is renting his house to a Syrian family in Irbid explained, "The idea was good, both parties benefit. For me, it’s a good investment, even offset by the reduced rent for this next year." He went on to say that he was now considering installing a similar system for his own family: "I hadn’t thought of this before, but now I realise the benefits. With the savings on the electricity bills, I will cover the investment in a few years. After that I will save money." The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Established in 1946, the (NRC) is an independent, humanitarian, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, which provides assistance, protection and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide. NRC is currently supporting over 700,000 people in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Syria. NRC is working to repair and maintain schools, houses, water and sanitation facilities, distributes basic relief items, provide education and skills learning for children and youth in Syria and in neighbouring countries.

Source ; Petra