Qatrana Cement Co has signed an agreement with National Advanced Natural Gas Co (Watani) for the supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) to its Al-Qatrana cement plant from 2027.
The agreement forms part of the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ programme to expand the country’s natural gas network, diversify industrial energy sources and improve security of supply and energy efficiency.
The switch from heavy fuel oil to natural gas is expected to reduce the plant’s carbon footprint and improve its environmental performance. Zeina Hamdan, executive director of the Awraq Foundation for Environmental Development, said replacing heavy fuel oil with natural gas could reduce combustion emissions by 27-30 per cent.
Duraid Mahasneh, chairman of the EDAMA Association for Energy, Water and Environment, said the transition could also lower energy costs and reduce exposure to volatility in international fuel markets.
Environmental specialists have called for the project to be accompanied by further investment in renewable energy, alternative fuels, production efficiency and other low-carbon technologies as Jordan seeks to decarbonise its industrial sector.
