EBRD funds landfill-gas recovery system in Amman, Jordan

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided a $13m loan to Greater Amman Municipality in Jordan for implementation of solid waste management programme and a comprehensive landfill-gas (LFG) recovery system.

The LFG will be the first of its kind system in the country, and it will be used for generating electricity from solid waste which will be supplied to the national grid.

The new technology will replace the grid-connected power plants that used to consume large amount of fuel oil.

The $13m investment is expected to benefit the overall environment of Jordan, and will also lead to the creation of a new solid waste company that will be owned by the city of Amman.

A public service contract will also be signed between the city and the newly created company.

The project will also benefit from Technical cooperation (TC) activities for the divestment of solid waste services.

EBRD has already committed $422m for 22 projects belonging to various sectors of the economy in Jordan.

EBRD president Suma Chakrabarti said: "This project provides a unique opportunity to promote sector reform. We aim to strengthen the operational, financial and environmental performance of municipal solid waste management in Amman.

"The project represents a further deepening and strengthening of our engagement in Jordan."

Greater Amman Municipality mayor Akel Biltaji said: "Amman, the City of Compassion, is proud to partner with EBRD in resorting to the nature for the production of renewable and green energy."