Mapping solar energy access in Jordan

The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from ESCWA, followed by a brief introduction of the IMSE project, which aims to support countries in mapping renewable energy applications to inform decision-making and policy development. The project includes virtual coordination meetings, regional training workshops, and stocktaking exercises. The key points discussed were: 

• ESCWA outlined the project’s objectives:
  • Assess technical and GIS capabilities for renewable energy monitoring.
  • Evaluate policy knowledge and data-informed decision-making.
  • Understand human capital capacity for strategic RE mapping.
  • Build institutional capacity to support SDG7, with a focus on solar energy.
• MEMR shared insights into the ministry’s data management efforts:
  • The Data Management Unit is still in its initial phase, focusing on identifying business needs and structuring databases.
  • Monthly aggregate data is available from distribution and transmission companies for grid-connected solar systems.
  • Efforts are ongoing to collect more detailed system-level data for performance analysis.
  • Off-grid and SWH data is limited, fragmented, and stored in various formats across departments.
  • No centralized or automated system exists; data is typically shared via Excel files over email.
  • A digital SCADA system is used by national electricity companies, but broader integration is still in progress.
  • Off-grid systems under 1 MW may not be consistently tracked, and reliable data on their number or capacity is lacking.
  • Net-metering is expanding.
  • The Fils Al Reef program was proposed as a case study to explore solar access and socio-economic impacts.
• DOS noted that:
  • It lacks GIS-mapped energy data and satellite imagery.
  • Collaboration with MEMR exists, but GIS use is limited to non-energy sectors.
  • It holds macroeconomic, environmental, and demographic data that can be geographically mapped.
  • There is no centralized geographical mapping of renewable energy infrastructure.
• The challenges identified during the meeting were:
  • Lack of real-time, disaggregated, and accurate data.
  • Inconsistent data sources (e.g., EMRC vs. operators).
  • Limited use of data in policy formulation, due to inconsistency and inaccuracy.
  • Incomplete data hinders donor engagement and resource mobilization.