Questions/Answers

In light of lacking indigenous energy resources in Jordan, and the rabid growing demand on energy for development purposes requires to move forward to increase energy supply security, reduce the energy losses, and improve its efficiency use in order to reduce the burden of energy cost, grow our economy, and protect the environment . The Jordanian governments’ energy sector policy and strategy has been expressed with three main objectives: 1. Provide a reliable source of energy, at the lowest possible cost; 2. Increase the utilization of renewable energy to reach 30% in energy mix by 2030. 3. Improve the energy efficiency use in all sectors to reach 9% in 2030. According to market study performed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR); 14 % of Jordanian houses used the solar water heaters (SWHs); and using SWHs to replace electrical and conventional fuel water heaters; will cut down a significant share of electricity and fuels used for water heating; Therefore, the need for increasing the use of SWH is very crucial in order to achieve our strategic goals in renewable energy and energy efficiency . Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF) within its strategy designed this initiative in 2014 as a national program for installing SWHs for households expressing the following objectives:- 1) increasing the penetration of SWHs in residential sector . 2) Reduced electricity and fuel consumption and the cost of electricity bill . 3) improve energy efficiency in water heating 4) Reduced GHG emissions in energy sector , and Supporting Jordan’s climate Actions and green economy plans. 5) Livelihood improvement, through access to affordable hot water 1) improve services with access to different financing windows . 2) reduce energy poverty and vulnerability of the poor and medium classes.

This initiative is linked to category 2 in the following terms: 1) Align with the government energy policy and strategy to overcome the challenges of energy poverty in light of lacking of indigenous energy. 2) Encourage the investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency technology. 3) Support climate strategies and action plans. 4) Shows a model that can be effective in ensuring public service delivery; to meet the needs of the people and updating the status of customer satisfaction. 5) Reflect the good governance policy; which accordingly build the trust with the public institution and the government services.

This initiative supports mainly the following SDGs:- (SDG1, Targets 1.4, 1.5) :- this initiative is a family oriented investment; where all men and women had equal access to hot water services, and equal access to financing mechanism; this initiative targeting particularly poor families, by installation SWHs system for 3000 with 100% grant, and reducing their electricity bill and other fuel cost for more than 14 % . (SDG7): this initiative substantially increase the share of thermal renewable energy in energy mix; substantially increase the rate of improvement in energy efficiency; increased the penetration of SWHs by 1.5%; promote investment in the SWHs technology with more than 21.4 million USD and still counting. (SDG13 ) : this initiative reduced the GHGs emission by 42 Kton CO2/year and still counting. (SDG16 ): Target 16.6: the proportion of government expenditures on this initiative is around 90% from the approved budget, and the Proportion of families satisfied with this initiative services was 94.7% . (SDG 17): Target 17.17: This initiative enhance effective partnerships with stakeholders from public, civil societies organization, financial institution , research and development organization, and international organization; through engaging effectively in this initiative; building on their experience and resourcing .

this initiative is sustainable in social, economic and environmental terms through these indicators :- - utilize the natural renewable solar energy and reduce the electricity and fuel consumption . - effectively mentioned in the Jordan NDC for 2030 . - Less Dependency and less concern over power outages - improve Livelihood, through access to affordable hot water, all over the life time of SWH system for 20 years . - creating demand within participating of CBOs , banks , local suppliers , and installers . - Jobs Creation, since SWHs installer uses local labor and provides vocational training

This initiative enhance and prompt effective and efficient partnership with multi stakeholders from public, public-private , local communities ,civil societies organization, financial institution , research and development organization, and international organization; through engaging them in planning ,designing , implementation , monitoring and evaluation of this initiative building on their experience and resourcing; through signed agreements under the rules of law; with clear responsibility of all parties to insure justice, transparency , and accountability in implementing this initiative which accordingly ; these strong partnership strongly build the trust in public services and between the government and the citizen

this initiative is a family investment; all men and women had equal access to hot water services, and as well as access to financial services; with taking into consideration that Women do benefit most from this initiative by easy access to warm water to do the tasks involving warm water at home; followed by comfort , safety and personal hygiene for all members of the family. and One of the important criteria in choosing the CBOs is to give the priority for CBOs that are chaired by women; accordingly 60% of these CBOs are chaired by women.

the target groups in this initiative are the final consumers in the residential sector which are chosen through clear and transparent priorities in collaboration with MSD and CBOs which are generally worked and operate all over Jordan; and particularly on economically-depressed and less fortunate areas all over the Jordan; the most important criteria to insure leaving no one behind ; 1. geographical according to the population intensity in each area 2. poor and less fortunate areas all over the Jordan 3. families that are headed and managed by women this initiative improved outcomes of the target groups are : - Decreasing the energy consumption by 64.8 MWH/year - Decreasing the electricity and fuel expenditures by 14% . - Increasing the comfort , safety , and body hygiene by 98% customer satisfaction - Saving money and get the benefit of this saving in improving the expenses of livelihood ,and on other services and by 81% also this initiative targeted all local manufacturers , suppliers for the SWH industry and technology , and insure their effective participation under the rule of law , tendering procedures , and a very clear guidelines to help them to improve their installation technical requirement and performance .

During the years 2014-2021 JREEEF implementing this initiative through the following projects :- 1. Installation of 5,162 SWHs in cooperation with Jordan River Foundation ; JRF promotes investment in SWHs through Directed Revolving Loan funds operated by 70 Community Based Organizations (CBOs) throughout Jordan. 2. Installation of 20000 SWHs funded by EU ; JREEEF promotes investment in SWHs through 50% grant of the total cost of the SWHs systems, the project implemented in collaboration with more than 190 (CBOs) throughout Jordan in the three region (North, Middle ,South ) under an agreement signed between JREEEF and CBOs. Through the above project; 600 SWHs installed for poor families all over Jordan in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) , and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) under a signed agreement; according to this agreement JREEEF pays 50% of the cost for the installed systems, and MOPIC pays the other 50%. 3. Installation of 2448 SWHs for poor families all over Jordan in cooperation with MSD ; with 100% grant of the total cost of the SWHs systems from JREEEF . 4. Installation of 200 SWHs for poor families in cooperation with The International Union for Conservation of Nature ( (IUCN ROWA ) ; JREEEF promotes the (SWHs) through 50% grant of the total cost of the SWHs systems and 50% from (IUCN). all of the above projects the contractors were selected through a competitive tendering process for which only local manufactured systems were eligible. all of the above projects are monitored and evaluated by a technical supervising committee in cooperation with the Royal Scientific Society (RSS)/ National Energy Research Center (NERC) . 5. Ongoing Project for the installation of SWHs for households in cooperation with Banks , and (CBOs) , JREEEF promotes investment in (SWHs) in this project through 30% grant of the total cost of the SWHs systems . the SWHs companies were selected by the final beneficiaries or consumers , under the role of a guidelines identified by JREEEF to help the consumers to select the most efficient systems . 6. under process Project for the installation of 333 SWHs system for poor families all over Jordan in cooperation with the (MSD) & (MOPIC) with 100% grant; JREEEF pays the contractor 50% of the cost, and (MOPIC) pays the contractor the other 50% of the cost for the installed systems/ units .

1- creating the demand :- Through the designing phase of this initiative there was an obstacle to create the demand ; to overcome this obstacle we develop the capacity of more than 190 CBOs all over Jordan to secure the demand ; These CBOs are generally operate in economically-depressed and the less fortunate areas all over the Jordan and 60% of these CBOs are chaired by women. 2- objections from the suppliers to choose one contractor for implementation for each project ; Therefore to overcome this obstacle , when the new ongoing project was designed, JREEEF open the market for all local suppliers and manufacturers ; and the consumers are given the authority to choose the supplier and the type of system. 3- lack of consumers knowhow to choose the system and what are the best technical specifications , and how to ensure the quality of the system. Therefore, JREEEF develop a very clear and simple detailed guideline include the technical specifications of the system, and what are the required guarantees .

The ways this initiative was innovative in our country:- - at the beginning; this initiative was implemented on a small project, and after we demonstrated its value and lesson learned ; it was developed to large projects with targeting more families and consumers , and developing sustainable financial support windows. - this initiative enhanced the public and private sector , civil society and local communities engagement at every stage of the initiative: and this build the trust between the government and all the stakeholders and consumers , are seen as partners who can shape and inform policy and services.

JREEEF/MEMR inspired by the Tunisian PROSOL program which was launched in 2005; through this program several regulatory and financial incentives was adopted to promote SWH in Tunisia; accordingly JREEEF learned from this program to develop this initiative and to design and implement it. JREEEF/MEMR on the Arab region level is actively participating on "The Solar Heating Arab Mark and Certification project (SHAMCI)'' , and through this project various capacity development activities conducted to analyze regional needs, invites policy makers, industrial sector players , international and regional field experts for knowledge transfer and exchange.

mitigation measures to reduce the consumption of electricity , kerosene , LPG and diesel for water heating . Previous feasibility studies showed that SWH technology, if compared to the other available technologies, is the most economically feasible way to heat water, with a payback period of just 3-4 years with a life time more than 20 years ; This will lead to reduction in energy consumption, and will alleviate greenhouse gases emissions.

This initiative is transferred and adapted by Sustainable Energy and Economic Development in Jordan Project (SEED), funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Cowater International in Jordan . SEED signed an agreement with JREEEF to promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth for poor and disadvantaged groups in the Jordan Valley and Ajloun regions in Jordan. Through this agreement several meeting and activities conducted to discuss the successes story of JREEEF Programs and transfer the experience to them , and this initiative was the most attractive and feasible to SEED project. SEED designed a SWH project in the Jordan Valley and Ajloun regions according to this initiative with the following procedures . The Canadian government had signed various agreements with four local charity associations (CBOs) ; The agreements are directed at carrying out the Sustainable Environment and Economic Development (SEED) project in this area. . through this project 1500 SWHs had been installed for the targeted families with only a 50% payment while the rest are of monthly installments. and this project help citizens reduce the burden of their electricity bill and create a direct economic and social impact in area .

The potential for transferability of this initiative is strongly available in the global level; particularly in the Arab region level through JREEEF/MEMR active participation in "The Solar Heating Arab Mark and Certification project (SHAMCI)'' project which is considered as the first Arab certification scheme for solar thermal products and services, and through this project various workshops conducted to transfer knowledge and experience and to prompt SWHs programs in Arabic countries and improve SWH technology. On the global level ; through highlighting this initiative which is effectively mentioned in the Jordan energy efficiency action plans NEAPs reports , and in the newly submitted UNFCCC National Determined Contribution (NDCs) report of Jordan, which also incorporates the description of this initiative which will contribute to GHGs reductions; these reports is published and highlighted globally as one the most feasible measure of energy efficiency ; and raising awareness about the long-term financial benefits of this initiative and other energy efficiency measures .

This initiative used the following resources :- - Jordan is blessed with a sunny climate almost all year round, The annual averages of global solar energy is between (1800 – 2300) kWh/m2/year. The average daily of solar energy is around 6.0 kWh/m2; which makes the utilization the natural resources of solar energy is very attractive and feasible in water heating. - JREEF financial mechanism and incentives. - grants from national and international agencies, - human resources were used based on our strong partnership with all stakeholder. - technical and testing laboratories in RSS\NERC are used to evaluate and monitor this initiative.

Jordan renewable energy and energy efficiency fund ( JREEEF) is established in 2012 , to encourage the investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in small facility , and to develop different financial mechanism with fully commitment from the government . JREEEF had been operational on this initiative since 2014 and will continue with in the national strategies and action plans; and this initiative is considered one of the mitigation measures in the Jordanian climate change action plans , and Jordan NDCs, and according to the updated JNDCs 2021 it is planned to reach 90000 installed SWHs by 2030.

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EU Evaluation: EU conducted an external audit for the second project which is the implementation of 20000 SWH by an external expert, this report is considered as a third party assessment. USAID evaluation: USAID conducted an external evolution for the first project which is implemented in cooperation with JRF, they had done a socio-economic impact assessment through field survey with the benefited households. JREEEF internal evaluation: JREEEF developed monitoring and evaluation system, which is contain data collection forms, data analysis system, databases for all projects and programs, performance measurement framework, output and outcome indicators, evaluation policy. JREEEF conducted an evaluation report for the second project which is the implementation of 20000 SWH, the evaluation done through questioner survey for a sample of the beneficiaries, according to JREEEEF closing and evaluation form, the evaluation is considered a socio-economic evaluation, that resulted into lessons learned and recommendations to implement for the future.

these projects increase the penetration of SWHs all over Jordan by focusing on low-income poor families , enhance and prompts the investment in RE and EE equipment. the final beneficiary consider saving money to be the greatest benefit associated with installing a solar water heater, followed by reduced time to heat water, and increased comfort and safety. Following the main findings and outcomes resulted from EU evaluation, USAID evaluation and Internal JREEEF evaluation: 1- Establish and ensure a strong partnership between JREEEF and National energy research center NERC through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement aiming toward cooperation between the parties, EU evaluation. 2- Ensure a partnership with Canadian affairs through the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development Project (SEED) with 10% funding from JREEEF to install SWH in Ajloun and Dair Allah region in Jordan. 3- The ability of JREEEF to learn from the first pilot project of installing SWH, and scale up the project into national program with a lesson learned and recommendations to enhance the project. 4- Reduce energy consumption by 64.8 MWH/year. 5- Reduce CO2 emission reduction by 42 Kton/Year. 6- 150000 people benefiting from SWH solution. 7- Reduce the household’s electricity bill by 6.75 M USD/ Year. 8- Achieve 94.7% customer satisfaction.

these all above mentioned projects increase the penetration of SWHs all over Jordan by focusing on low-income poor families , enhance and prompts the investment in RE and EE. the final beneficiary (Customers) consider saving money to be the greatest benefit associated with installing a solar water heater, followed by reduced time to heat water, and increased comfort and safety: main outcomes: 1- Establish and ensure a strong partnership between JREEEF and National energy research center NERC through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement aiming toward cooperation between the parties, EU evaluation. 2- Ensure a partnership with Canadian affairs through the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development Project (SEED) with 10% funding from JREEEF to install SWH in Ajloun and Dair Allah region in Jordan. 3- The ability of JREEEF to learn from the first pilot project of installing SWH, and scale up the project into national program with a lesson learned and recommendations to enhance the project. 4- Reduce energy consumption by 64.8 MWH/year. 5- Reduce CO2 emission reduction by 42 Kton/Year. 6- 150000 people benefiting from SWH solution. 7- Reduce the household’s electricity bill by 6.75 M USD/ Year. 8- Achieve 94.7% customer satisfaction. quality of implementation: the evaluation shows a high level of quality of 97%. challenges faced : 1- Weak advertising plan. 2- Insufficient capacity of the SWH tank JREEEF has used the impact evaluation and the lesson learned to enhance the next stages of the project.

JREEEF worked with the Ministry of Environment to include this initiative as one of the mitigation measures in the Jordanian climate change strategies , action plans , and Jordan NDCs, and according to the updated JNDCs 2021 it is planned to reach 90000 installed SWHs by 2030 . JREEEF worked with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation in developing the criteria to identify the targeted low income – poor families , the priorities in implementation , and seeking for a fund from international donors . JREEEF worked with the Jordanian Institution for Standards and Metrology (JISMO) and the Royal Scientific Society(RSS) \National Energy Research Center(NERC) , in the designing phase to identify the technical specification of SWHs components , and they are fully engaged in the monitoring and evaluation phase to monitor the implementation, and testing samples of the installed systems from each implemented projects \ phase in RSS\NERC laboratories . JREEEF worked with Jordanian bank Association , commercial banks , and the Jordanian central bank in designing and developing the financial mechanism and incentive support windows and they are fully engaged in the implementation of the ongoing project in this initiative .

this initiative is a mission oriented investment , where all key stakeholders brought together in this initiative are as follows :- - JRF which is defined as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) ; they are fully engaged in the designing and implementation the first project. - RSS\NERC as a technical arm and strategic stakeholder for JREEEF for technical designing , implementation , monitoring and evaluation , and testing samples of the installed systems from each implemented project in this initiative in RSS\NERC laboratories - MSD, MOPIC ; they are fully engaged in designing phase by identifying the targeted low income – poor families , the priorities in implementation , and seeking for a fund from international donors - more than 190 CBOs are fully engaged in the implementation of this initiative , and they play the role of securing the demand for the SWHs. - commercial Banks , bank association , and central bank are fully engaged in designing the financial mechanism and in the implementation of the ongoing project in this initiative. all these stakeholders are in partnership in this initiative with JREEF through signed agreements which include a clear roles and responsibilities to insure transparency and accountability .

- JREEEF incentives and financial mechanism reflect a success model that prompt the investment in SWH technology , - strong partnership reflect the good governance of this initiative and build the trust in public services . - a compulsory testing regulations needed to forces the manufacturers , suppliers and importers to test their collectors, although a national testing facility and laboratory must be accredited . - a comprehensive capacity development program is needed to improve the local manufacturers particularly in other cities because The majority of manufacturers are located in Amman (the capital) which makes it difficult and more expensive for people living in other cities to install solar collectors and have periodic maintenance. - professional calculation tools or technical handbooks for design and sizing of large solar systems for more than one family with a small area are needed ; because Recently, most of the buildings are multi-floor within small floor area. The floor area is usually used for many purposes such as, water tanks, dishes ….. etc ,therefore, there is no enough space for individual installing solar water heating systems for all residence , with insuring of professional qualifications and technical skills particularly for the new efficient designs.