The University of Jordan’s (UJ) School of Engineering launched today the first regional conference titled “Green Energy in MENA Region: Solar Energy, Green Hydrogen, and AgroTech” (GE-MENA 2025).
The conference, held under the patronage of UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat, marks years of extensive research efforts and international cooperation through a wide range of EU-funded regional and global projects.
In his opening remarks, Obeidat stressed that the transition to green energy is no longer optional but an urgent global necessity driven by environmental and economic challenges, emphasizing that the University views clean energy as “a historic investment capable of reshaping the region and securing the future of generations to come.” He affirmed that “the future is being shaped here, in institutions of education and scientific research.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Eng. Bakr Al-Balawneh highlighted that the agricultural sector is a cornerstone of national food security and the economy, underscoring the importance of optimizing natural resources to ensure long-term sustainability. He noted that the Ministry is working to strengthen partnerships with universities and research centers to advance smart agriculture and address challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.
Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Jordan, Patrick Lembrechts, stated that the Mediterranean Pact, launched under the slogan “One Sea, One Pact, One Future,” puts people at the center of development, driven by youth and innovation. He highlighted Jordan’s strong potential in clean energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable agriculture, noting that the Pact’s priorities align with Erasmus+ programs supporting higher education, vocational training, and green skills.
German Ambassador to Jordan, Dr. Bertram Von Moltke, noted that green energy is “the only way forward,” affirming that the world can no longer afford to delay climate action. He explained that countries successfully transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables will gain a stronger competitive edge, noting Jordan’s exceptional potential, its abundant solar radiation, vast land areas, and growing opportunities in green hydrogen, expressing Germany’s pride in supporting these efforts through cooperation projects and academic exchange programs.
Dean of the School of Engineering, Prof. Menwer Attarakih, stated that the future of energy depends not only on generating clean power but also on managing it intelligently through advanced digital systems. He noted that the real transformation lies in the rise of smart energy systems that learn and evolve using AI, big data analytics, and statistical modeling. He added that the projects featured in the conference embody this data-driven future, calling for a more efficient, flexible, and secure energy ecosystem driven by a generation capable of turning data into sustainable solutions.
Director of the Erasmus+ National Office in Jordan, Dr. Ahmad Abu Alhija, emphasized that the program places the highest priority on environmental sustainability. He noted that Jordan currently hosts 31 specialized projects focused on green topics across capacity building, education, and vocational training programs, as well as awareness activities held at several universities with around 760 participants. He explained that Erasmus+ creates impact at three levels: elevating individuals’ environmental and digital skills, embedding sustainability within educational institutions, and supporting national efforts to align Jordan’s strategies with international and European climate standards.
Chair of the conference organizing committee, Prof. Ahmed Al-Salaymeh, affirmed that the conference is the culmination of years of international collaboration and research projects carried out by the University in partnership with European and Arab institutions, including HYMENSO, INNOMED AgroTec, and GREEN. These projects, he said, have contributed to building the capacities of researchers and students as well as developing advanced programs in solar energy, green hydrogen, and smart agriculture. He emphasized that the University positions itself at the heart of regional efforts to address challenges in energy, water, and food security through scientific research, modern technologies, and youth empowerment.
The conference attracts wide participation from experts, academics, and officials from more than 15 countries, including Jordan, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Palestine, the UAE, Sudan, Slovakia, Greece, and Cyprus, as well as leading international institutions. Participating universities include Hamburg University of Technology, Berlin Institute of Technology, the University of Salento, the University of Innsbruck, the University of Cyprus, and the Slovak University of Agriculture, along with Jordanian universities such as Mutah University, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Al-Hussein Technical University, and the National University of Technology.
The conference also hosts several Arab universities, including Cadi Ayyad and Mohammed V Universities from Morocco, Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine Technical University–Kadoorie, the Arab Academy for Science and Technology in Egypt, and Ras Al Khaimah University from the UAE, along with international organizations and research centers working in smart agriculture and renewable energy.
Over two days, the conference presents a rich scientific program featuring more than ten specialized sessions showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations in green energy. Key themes include solar energy, green hydrogen, smart agriculture, hybrid renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, AI-driven water and agriculture management, innovation and entrepreneurship in energy, and the water–energy–food nexus. The conference will also highlight the outcomes of major international research projects and host scientific papers discussing topics such as chemical energy storage, precision agriculture, thermal energy, smart grids, and advanced hydrogen production technologies, making it a dynamic platform for scientific dialogue and knowledge exchange among participants from across the region and the world.