Jordan—pick and mix

Jordan needs to expand its power-distribution system as it becomes one of the most advanced Arab states in developing renewables

The Jordanian authorities, in seeking to further diversify the country's energy mix, have been looking at developing other oil shale reserves, notably at al-Laijun, to the south of Apco's project at Attarat um Ghudran. Discussions over the possibility of another oil shale/power project here have continued for some years. The outcome of Apco's venture is likely to determine when and how the country's deposits are exploited from now on. Oil shale doesn't constitute clean energy. But for a country without its own oil and gas reserves, exploitation of this natural resource as part of the energy mix makes sense. Another plan that's been on the drawing board for several years is one to develop a n