Jordan primed for unconventional power
Oil shale reserves set to help country meet its growing electricity demand amid financial troubles
Jordan's public finances are wilting, leaving the government in a tricky position. The deficit will run to 14% this year and the debt-to-GDP ratio is poised to rise above 80%. Deeper cuts to costly energy subsidies could help, but wouldn’t be popular. Meanwhile, Jordan relies on imported energy to meet 80% of its electricity supply. The cut-off of piped gas supplies from Egypt has worsened the situation, piling up the debts at the National Electric Company. But a new power plant, to be fired by unconventional oil, should eventually make a difference. By 2016, the government hopes to bring on line its first electricity station fuelled by oil shale (or kerogen oil). By some estimates, Jordan h
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