A unique project that uses sun, saltwater, desert areas and CO2 to produce food, freshwater and clean energy has been launched at a site outside the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. The ‘Sahara Forest Project’ (SFP) is funded by the EU and the Norwegian government. It was officially launched by King Abdullah II of Jordan and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway at a ceremony on 7 September.

The SFP Launch Station in Jordan will be the size of four football fields, and include features such as saltwater-cooled greenhouses, research facilities, outdoor vegetation zones, and a solar power plant. The centre will be a place for local training and innovation, and the project will cooperate closely with regional and international players to find innovative solutions. The launch station that opened this week is a first step towards the creation of a 20 hectare facility in southern Jordan.

The Sahara Forest Project is founded on the idea that deserts can once again be green.

“Everything we do on the ground in Jordan is measured against three goals. Our activities need to be good for people, it need to good for the environment, and it needs to be good for business,” said Joakim Hauge, Chief Executive Officer of the Sahara Forest Project.

The Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation in Jordan, Egidijus Navikas, described the project as “a model for energy, water and food security in Jordan”.

He added that the project was part of the EU’s support to green energy in Jordan, which exceeds €160 million at the moment, and that he looked forward to further enhanced cooperation, particularly when it comes to synergies such as creating jobs, fighting poverty and opening up for further research.

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Sahara Forest Project press release

EU Delegation press release

Sahara Forest Project Jordan

Fact sheet on Jordan launch station