Open AccessConnecting Jordan to GCC Power Grid: Creation of Geopolitical “Power” Grid
Author(s) -
Mikiyasu Nakayama,
Hirotaka Fujibayashi,
Daisuke Sasaki
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of asian development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2377-9594
DOI - 10.5296/jad.v3i2.10966
Subject(s) - geopolitics , regional power , middle east , politics , renewable energy , power (physics) , electricity , great power , business , economy , development economics , grid , geography , political science , economics , engineering , law , electrical engineering , physics , geodesy , quantum mechanics
Jordan agreed in May 2016 to join the existing Gulf countries’ power grid (GCC Power Grid). This planned connection with the GCC countries has some political importance, aside from simply promoting trade of electricity between Jordan and GCC countries. This article aims at finding out the “embedded agenda” behind the planned connection of power grids between Jordan and the GCC countries. It was found that Jordan’s participation in the GCC Power Grid is advantageous for Saudi Arabia and Jordan for trading electricity between two countries in the future. The planned connection of the power grid signifies the strengthened relation between two countries, without having troubles to be caused (among GCC’s member states) by Jordan’s official participation in the GCC as a new member. Jordan is so vulnerable to oil price surge, the development of alternative energies represented by renewable energies has a very significant meaning. Jordan could export electricity derived from renewable sources to neighboring countries in the future. Jordan historically serves as a buffer zone among countries with different interests and religions in the Middle East. Connection Jordan to the GCC Power Grid seems to have an utmost political importance for the GCC member states, particularly Saudi Arabia.