Arab Potash Launches Jordan’s First Floating Solar Plant Project at Dead Sea Facility

Arab Potash Company has announced plans to develop Jordan’s first floating solar photovoltaic project as part of its comprehensive renewable energy and sustainability strategy. The Jordan-headquartered company which ranks as the eighth largest potash producer worldwide by volume will install the 6MWp floating solar plant on its evaporation ponds at the Ghor Al-Safi facility near the southern end of the Dead Sea.

The innovative project forms part of Arab Potash Company’s 2021-2030 energy transition programme and represents a significant milestone for Jordan’s renewable energy sector. The floating photovoltaic system is designed to generate clean electricity for the company’s industrial operations while simultaneously reducing water evaporation from the critical evaporation ponds used in potash production.

The project offers multiple environmental and operational benefits by utilizing existing water surfaces without requiring additional land acquisition. This approach maximizes efficiency while minimizing environmental impact at the facility located approximately 110 kilometers south of Amman. The strategic positioning allows the company to maintain its competitive advantage as one of the world’s lowest-cost potash providers particularly to Asian markets.

Arab Potash Company holds a unique 100-year concession from the Jordanian government granted in 1958 that provides exclusive rights to extract manufacture and market minerals from the Dead Sea until 2058. The company operates through an extensive solar evaporation pond system covering approximately 112 square kilometers where Dead Sea brine containing potassium chloride is concentrated through natural evaporation processes.

The floating solar initiative represents part of broader sustainability efforts by Arab Potash Company which has implemented major projects worth over 3 billion dollars to boost production and expand exports. Additional renewable energy projects include 30MW of traditional solar power generation and other green technology implementations designed to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.

The tender for the floating solar plant construction was issued in July with companies asked to submit proposals for fixed lump-sum contracts including operation and maintenance periods ranging from two to ten years. The project demonstrates Arab Potash Company’s commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining its position as the sole Arab producer of potash and a major contributor to global food security through fertilizer production.

This groundbreaking floating solar installation positions Jordan at the forefront of innovative renewable energy solutions in the Middle East region. The project combines cutting-edge technology with practical industrial applications creating a model for sustainable manufacturing operations in water-intensive industries while preserving precious water resources in an arid climate.