Power project in Jordan reaches full operating status

The second group of electrical generating units of the Attarat oil shale-fired power station officially started commercial operation in Jordan on Friday, marking the full operation of Guangdong Energy Group's first overseas mining and power joint venture.

The project, which uses local oil shale resources as fuel, cost more than $2.1 billion, including two 277 megawatt recirculating units and support for the oil shale mine, whose an annual output is more than 10 million metric tons.

Upper Horn Investments Limited, a subsidiary of Guangdong Energy Group Co, holds a 45 percent stake in the project. Malaysia's YTL Power International holds another 45 percent, while the remaining 10 percent is owned by Eesti Energia AS of Estonia, according to a statement by Guangdong Energy.

The project is expected to be able to generate around 3.7 billion kilowatt hours annually for the local power grid, satisfying about one-fifth of local electricity demand.

As the world's largest oil shale mining and power joint venture, the Jordan project — which covers an area of about 3,700 hectares — was built in a vast desert area. It will greatly improve local economic development, the statement said.

Nearly 3,500 jobs were created for construction, with 1,000 more for operations.

Commercial operation of the Jordan project represents a milestone in Guangdong Energy's "going global" strategy. It also represents a new achievement for Chinese capital, technology and management in countries related to the Belt and Road Initiative, which is significant in helping Jordan achieve energy independence, ensure energy security, create jobs and improve people's well-being, the statement said.