The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to US$ 8.8 million (€8.2 million) to KbW Investments Jordan to improve street lighting coverage in 14 underserved villages in the south of Jordan. The EBRD’s investment will finance an innovative energy performance contract for street lighting between KbW Investments Jordan and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, covering the supply and installation of 45,000 new energy-efficient LED lights in those 14 villages. The new lights will be used to either replace inefficient existing street lighting or extend coverage to currently underserved areas.

Adequate street lighting infrastructure is necessary to ensure mobility, public safety and access to economic opportunities. This investment is expected to improve service levels and access to public street lighting by increasing coverage from 60 to 100 per cent in the villages in question, benefiting more than 300,000 people. The improved street lighting is expected to encourage business activity, as well-lit areas can be more attractive and conducive to commerce, facilitating longer opening hours and increased access to economic opportunities. In addition, this investment will also have significant energy efficiency benefits, as it is expected to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by around 4,600 tonnes and reduce energy consumption for street lighting by 50 per cent.

As part of the investment project, the EBRD and KbW Investments Jordan will work with local communities to study the positive impact of this new infrastructure – including as regards mobility and access to economic opportunities – to inform the design of future infrastructure. The EBRD will also provide a FINTECC grant of €0.4 million to help KbW Investments Jordan to install energy-efficient equipment, thereby acting as a pioneer in the market and promoting the implementation of highly efficient technologies.