About SEED
Who We Are
The Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Project (SEED) in Jordan, funded by Global Affairs Canada, is executed by “Cowater International Inc.” with the aim of enhancing sustainable local development in Jordanian communities through raising awareness and applying innovative solutions in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The project focuses on improving energy consumption efficiency in homes and government institutions, such as schools, health centers, and municipalities, while simultaneously empowering local communities economically. The project has successfully reduced electricity bills in four municipalities by over $1.5 million annually, contributing to improving services to citizens and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 11,000 tons annually.
The project has provided energy solutions to over 8,000 Jordanian households in collaboration with local associations and created over 300 job opportunities for both men and women in the energy sector, with a focus on integrating youth and women into the workforce. Additionally, more than 1,000 youth have been trained, seven startups have been supported, and the experience of companies working in electricity distribution has been enhanced.
Furthermore, the project has contributed to the development of policies and regulations related to sustainable energy and enhanced coordination between government and community institutions, contributing to creating a more supportive environment for the growth of the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors in Jordan.
The project continues its efforts in supporting new communities, such as the Southern Jordan Valley District, by raising awareness, providing technical solutions, training civil society organizations and small and medium enterprises, and promoting entrepreneurial projects, all aimed at achieving the desired economic and social impact and reinforcing sustainability across the Kingdom.
Focus Areas
- Improving living conditions and livelihoods of the population by introducing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions in government buildings and local community homes that meet technical criteria, while spreading awareness in the community to ensure the sustainability of these resources.
- Building the capacities and developing the skills of youth in local communities, increasing their opportunities to gain employment or establish and grow their own projects in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors in Jordan through training, employment, and entrepreneurship programs targeted at youth, new graduates, and the unemployed, with a focus on fostering creativity.
- Providing a fertile environment for the growth of the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors in Jordan by supporting local initiatives related to system installation and operation, promoting the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund, supporting electricity distribution companies, and encouraging consumers. The project also focuses on developing renewable energy usage guides in partnership with the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission and providing specifications for energy storage technologies.
Funding Entities
As part of enhancing international cooperation and supporting sustainable development efforts in Jordan, an agreement was signed between Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund affiliated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Cities & Villages Development Bank, and the Canadian Government to launch the second phase of The Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Project (SEED II)
This partnership aims to support local communities in the Southern Jordan Valley region by applying practical and innovative solutions in energy efficiency and renewable energy, contributing to improving infrastructure, enhancing service levels, and boosting economic and social development opportunities.
This agreement reflects the continued strong cooperation between Jordan and Canada in the field of sustainable energy and demonstrates both parties’ commitment to providing an enabling environment that supports sustainability, economic empowerment, and active community participation.
