How Jordan’s Green Ammonia Strategy is Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

As Saudi Arabia and the UAE push forward with large-scale hydrogen megaprojects aimed at future exports, Jordan is taking a more pragmatic and commercially viable path. By leveraging its existing agricultural demand, the kingdom is positioning itself as a regional leader in green ammonia production with immediate market applications.

This strategy not only accelerates Jordan’s hydrogen economy by 3-5 years compared to export-only models but also establishes critical production expertise and infrastructure, making it one of the region’s most bankable clean energy initiatives.

Building on Agricultural Demand

Jordan currently imports around 150,000 tonnes of ammonia annually, primarily for fertilizer production. This creates a significant advantage over other MENA hydrogen projects, as it ensures a stable, domestic market for green ammonia from the outset.

“We don’t need to wait for international hydrogen markets to mature,” says Zaid Tarawneh, director of Jordan’s Renewable Energy Development Office. “Our agricultural sector already consumes substantial ammonia volumes, providing guaranteed demand while we build export capacity.”

A key driver of this shift is the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC), the country’s largest fertilizer producer. JPMC has committed to transitioning 35% of its ammonia requirements to green sources by 2030, serving as an anchor customer for Jordan’s emerging green ammonia industry. This built-in demand solves one of the biggest challenges facing hydrogen projects globally—securing long-term purchase agreements.

The Strategic Advantage of Aqaba

Jordan’s geographical positioning further strengthens its green ammonia potential. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone combines world-class solar resources, a deep-water port, and close proximity to fertilizer production facilities—critical factors that drive down costs and enhance efficiency.

“Aqaba offers an ideal environment for green ammonia production,” explains Mohammed Al-Hazaimeh, industrial development director at the Aqaba Development Corporation. “With solar capacity factors exceeding 24% and minimized transportation costs, we can produce ammonia more competitively than imported alternatives.”

Unlike standalone hydrogen projects that require costly marine terminals, Aqaba’s existing fertilizer production ecosystem enables a direct supply chain, reducing capital expenditures by an estimated 15-20%.

Phased Development for Sustainable Growth

Rather than launching large-scale, high-risk projects, Jordan has opted for a phased development model. The first initiative, the Jordan Green Ammonia Facility (JGAF), is set to begin operations next year with an initial capacity of 15,000 tonnes—equivalent to 10% of current ammonia imports.

“We prioritize proving the integrated production model before scaling up,” explains Khaled Toukan, chairman of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission. “This approach reduces investment risks while developing the expertise necessary for long-term expansion.”

This measured strategy is gaining strong financial backing. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development recently approved $45 million in funding for JGAF’s first phase, citing the project’s immediate revenue potential as a key factor. Future phases will see capacity expansion to 50,000 tonnes by 2027 and 90,000 tonnes by 2030—eventually replacing 60% of Jordan’s ammonia imports.

Investing in Knowledge and Workforce Development

Beyond infrastructure, Jordan is prioritizing knowledge transfer and workforce development to support its hydrogen ambitions. The National Energy Research Center, in collaboration with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, has launched the Hydrogen Technical Training Academy. Already, 120 engineers have completed specialized certification programs in electrolysis and ammonia synthesis, ensuring the country builds both technical and industrial expertise.

“We’re developing human capacity alongside physical infrastructure,” says Ruba Al-Zu'bi, director of the National Energy Research Center. “Each project phase integrates training programs to create a skilled workforce for future expansion.”

Expanding Agricultural Exports with Green Credentials

Jordan’s green ammonia strategy also presents a lucrative opportunity for its agricultural sector. European markets, increasingly focused on carbon footprint reduction, offer premium pricing for sustainably produced fertilizers.

“Fertilizers made with green ammonia command a 12-15% price premium in European markets,” says Ibrahim Nashwan, director of agricultural exports at Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture. “This enhances profitability beyond just ammonia sales.”

With Europe accounting for 38% of Jordan’s $430 million agricultural exports, the country recently launched a “Green Grown in Jordan” certification initiative to promote produce cultivated using sustainable fertilizers. Early results show strong market traction, with major European supermarket chains dedicating sections to Jordanian green-certified products, driving sales up by 22%.

Balancing Domestic Growth with Export Potential

While Jordan’s primary focus is meeting domestic ammonia demand, its long-term vision includes developing export capacity. The kingdom’s National Hydrogen Strategy follows a two-phase approach: securing domestic supply by 2030, then expanding into Mediterranean markets.

“Our agricultural foundation provides the financial stability to build export-scale infrastructure,” says Omar Al-Armouti, energy transition adviser to Jordan’s Royal Court. “By gaining operational expertise now, we’re ensuring Jordan is ready for large-scale international trade.”

This balanced and strategic approach sets Jordan apart from regional counterparts focused solely on exports, which often struggle with uncertain offtake agreements and long development timelines. By prioritizing immediate commercial applications while gradually scaling for exports, Jordan is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the hydrogen economy—achieving real-world impact faster than its competitors.

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