Israel and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding for a water-for-solar energy deal, Israel’s Energy Ministry announced on Monday.
“Climate change and the influx of refugees have further exacerbated Jordan’s water challenges, however, there are many opportunities for regional cooperation to help increase sustainability in the sector,” said Jordan’s Minister of Water and Irrigation, Mohammad Al-Najjar, reported Reuters.
“All residents of the Middle East will benefit from this memorandum of understanding, not just Jordan and Israel. This is a message to the world on how countries can act together to fight the climate crisis,” said Israel’s Energy Minister Karine Elharrar.
Under the deal, Jordan would build 600 megawatts of solar generating capacity to be exported to Israel for 200 million cubic meters of desalinated water.
According to the report, the United Arab Emirates climate change minister, Jordan’s minister of water and irrigation, and Israel’s energy minister signed the agreement at the Expo 2020 world fair in Dubai. Also present was Emirates Development Bank chairman Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry.
