Jordan's Qatrana Cement Plant Switches to Compressed Natural Gas, Cuts Emissions

The Qatrana Cement Plant in Jordan has signed an agreement to switch from heavy fuel oil and diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG), a move that experts say will reduce emissions and boost energy efficiency.

The agreement, between the National Advanced Natural Gas Company and the Qatrana Cement Company, is part of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' efforts to diversify energy sources and support the industrial sector. The Ministry aims to supply the plant with natural gas starting in 2027.

Environmental experts welcome the move as a positive step towards reducing carbon emissions. Duraid Mahasneh, Chairman of the Board of Directors for EDAMA Association for Energy, Water, and Environment, said the shift to CNG is 'a strategic transitional step' that enhances energy security and reduces costs. He emphasized the importance of integrating this move with the expansion of renewable energy.

Omar Shoshan, Chairman of the Environmental Societies Union, noted that the industrial sector is a major source of emissions and that improving energy efficiency and transitioning to less carbon-intensive sources is crucial for reducing them. He also highlighted the potential benefits of using CNG in terms of improved air quality and competitiveness in global markets.

Natural gas should be viewed as a transitional fuel within a broader framework for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, according to Zeina Hamdan, Executive Director of Awraq Foundation for Environmental Development. She proposed linking industrial incentives to clear climate performance indicators to enhance the global competitiveness of Jordanian industry.