Jordan is looking to rival Tunisia (MEES, 20 December) as a key Mena proponent of solar power. Last week state power firm Nepco and Saudi private energy developer Acwa Power started up a 50MW solar PV plant at Risha on Jordan’s remote northeastern border with Iraq.

And on 19 December, the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), one of the key backers of Risha (MEES, 5 January 2018), announced additional plans to fund “development, construction and operation of a portfolio of solar PV plants in Jordan totalling 48MW.” This latest funding is for a project operated by local private-sector firm Yellow Door Energy, with the capacity slated to be split between seven sites. (CONTINUED - 233 WORDS)