EDAMA and the GIZ-implemented “Green Action in Enterprises” (GAIN) project organized on Monday, July 10th a Power Breakfast discussing the potential of spent EV batteries for Jordan’s economy by adopting sustainable end-of-life strategies.
The distinguished panel of speakers included H.E. Dr. Muawieh Radaideh, Minister of Environment; Prof. Rana Imam, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Jordan; and Dr. Fadwa Dababneh, Assistant Professor at the German Jordanian University. The session was expertly moderated by Mr. Samer Judeh, Vice Chairman of EDAMA.
Dr. Dureid Mahasneh, Chairman of EDAMA, commenced the event by extending a warm welcome to the guests and emphasising the organisation’s pivotal role in facilitating an open dialogue among stakeholders to support sustainable strategies for handling spent EV batteries in Jordan.
According to the analysis that Dr. Fadwa Dababneh conducted for the GIZ-implemented GAIN project, Jordan’s stock of spent EV batteries will grow to up to 35,000 annually with no sustainable solution put in place right now. The discussion paper outlines a potential vision for Jordan to benefit the most from treating and expanding the life of currently spent EV batteries, among them by refurbishing, repurposing, and recycling.
If Jordan were to adopt this vision today with the government taking a leading role in establishing an efficient collection centre, green investments in a remanufacturing plant for refurbishing would be required. By merely satisfying around 43% percent of the EV battery replacement needs locally, a newly established local value chain could generate up to USD 20,000,000 in annual revenue.
H.E. Dr. Muawieh Radaideh addressed the exponential growth of electric cars in Jordan, stating that there are currently 1.8 million cars in the country with 18% being hybrid and electric vehicles. He emphasised the role of the Jordanian government to further develop and embrace smart policies that would allow for a safe and efficient treatment of spent batteries. The minister further welcomed the private sector to utilize and invest in these upcoming opportunities for the Kingdom.
Prof. Rana Imam, one of the country’s leading e-mobility experts, underlined the importance of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the import, reuse, and recycle of spent EV batteries and stressed that current gaps in regulation still exist. Moreover, Prof. Rana encouraged the distinguished guests to develop partnerships with international pioneers working on circularity in order for Jordan to benefit from rapidly technological improvements.
All panelists agreed that the topic of spent EV batteries is crucial for Jordan – not only from a safety or environmental perspective but from a green economy opportunity. Concluding the session, Mr. Samer Judeh highlighted the challenges associated with handling spent EV batteries, emphasized the role of the private sector, and underscored the significance of keeping a forward-looking perspective on the future of spent EV batteries in Jordan.
