Electricity Interconnection in the JRV
Electricity interconnection contributes to enhancing the JRV as a corridor and helps create synergies in the energy sector. Interconnections improve the reliability of power services and cut down the need for costly back-up generation capacities in each country. As Israel and Jordan have different daily and weekly load peaking patterns, a link-up would create an opportunity for mutually profitable trading between power utilities.
Within the framework of regional development planning, a project preparation study for electricity interconnections has been funded by the European Union and completed by two consultant companies, Lahmeyer International from Germany and Verbund-Plan from Austria. The final report of the study was distributed in April 1995 and discussed in Amman in June. A detailed feasibility study for a multilateral project involving electricity interconnections between Israel, Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority is being financed by the European Union. A consortium headed by the Italian firm, ENEL conducted the Study.
ENEL published a special interim report outlining ten possible scenarios of electricity connections and arrangements for power sharing in July 1997. A trilateral 400kV interconnection at Taba-Eilat-Aqaba and a Jerusalem-Amman alignment are among the possible new alignments covered in the ENEL study.
A 33 kV interconnection between the Jordanian and Israeli power systems in the Aqaba-Eilat region has already been compelted, but is not yet being operated. This initial conenction will allow a 10 MW power exchcnage between Aqaba and Eilat on a limited basis. If successful this proect could be extended.
The possibility of an additional interconnection between the Israeli and Jordanian electricity networks at the southern tip of the Dead Sea has also been raised. This project would require the construction of 50 km of 161 or 132 kV transmission line to connect the Israeli Electricity Company substation with Jordans National Electric Power Company (NEPCO).
9.1. Regional Energy Center
This project consists of a center for joint Israeli-Jordanian R&D in energy, that would serve both and neighboring countries. The center, which will be located in the Aqaba/Eilat area and will conduct training courses, workshops, conferences and sponsor joint research programs. It is a joint development project between the Israel Ministry of Infrastructure and Jordan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The center will be connected to European and other international centers to facilitate transfer of technology and know-how. It will also serve as a focal center for renewable and alternative energy projects including: solar energy oil shale, tar sands, etc. It will also provide technical assistance to optimize energy use in industry, and energy management services.
Project elements include:
- setting up a unified comprehensive data bank;
- initiating training program on various subjects, including energy auditing, energy conservation, construction techniques, energy management, operation of power plants, solar and wind power system, solar insulation measurement and water desalination system;
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- conducting conferences on developments in energy-related issues;
- conducting research on energy applications based on indigenous resources.
Capital and operation and maintenance costs are summarized below:
| |
Capital Costs |
Annual O&M |
| |
million US$ |
|
Buildings |
9.5 |
0.4 |
|
Information Center |
2.0 |
0.4 |
|
R&D Facilities |
6.3 |
2.6 |
|
Total |
17.8 |
4.4 |
It is estimated that the project will take between 3-5 years for implementation. For a period of four-five years, the center may need financial support for its operations. However, it is expected to become self sufficient withing the first five years. It is unlikely, however, that original capital costs will be recovered.