Energy security in Israel and Jordan: The role of renewable energy sources

Abstract The usage of renewable energy sources increases the energy security because it brings extensive socio-economic benefits to Israeli and Jordanian populations, added pathways for bilateral cooperation and allows countries to achieve their climate mitigation goals. Israel and Jordan's energy mix are both dominated by fossil fuel usage and produce only 4% of their energy supply from renewable energy. Each have been affected by the events of the Arab Spring and the discovery of the Tamar and Leviathan natural gas fields. Both countries are vulnerable to political instability and climate change. Although Israel and Jordan have set targets to attain 10% renewable energy by 2020 the progress is slow and both countries may not reach this goal if the implementation occurs at the current pace. Current policies include feed-in tariffs and auctions for renewable projects. Both would benefit from increased investment electric in vehicles, better connectivity to the grid and greater cross-border cooperation.