pv magazine has learnt the Jordanian authorities have ordered the disconnection of all unsubsidized solar plants which use the grid to connect to their energy offtaker clients.
The move has come because electricity demand has fallen off a cliff thanks to Covid-19containment measures.
A source said yesterday, the kingdom’s Energy and Mineral Resources Commission (EMRC) instructed power distribution companies to disconnect all wheeling solar facilities due to low electrical loads.
The move could mean as much as 1.2 GW of solar generation capacity will be affected as Jordanian electric load currently ranges from around 1.7 GW in the morning to 3.4 GW at peak time.
pv magazine has contacted the EMRC to try to verify whether the news is accurate and to ask whether solar investors will be able to claim compensation for lost revenue. pv magazine has also heard from another source only around 200 MW of capacity would be affected but is unable to confirm the figures in the lack of any response from the energy commission.
Jordan has imposed extensive measures to attempt to combat the spread of Covid-19, including border closures, quarantine in resorts paid for by the government and the closure of a slew of non-essential industries. The kingdom has also imposed a curfew on movement since March 21.
The kingdom relies on fossil fuel imports for 80% of its energy mix and will benefit from a rock-bottom oil price at the moment as regional neighbor Saudi Arabia tries to stare down petrochemical rivals the U.S. and Russia by refusing to reduce production levels despite demand tumbling around the world.
