Jordan begins operating Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad liquefied gas port

AMMAN, June 27 (KUNA) -- Jordanian Minister of Energy Ibrahim Saif on Saturday announced start of operating Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Port in Aqaba -- specialized for producing power and liquefied gas, at a capacity of 490 million cubic feet per day.
The operation began with testing a tanker, leased to store gas and convert the liquid into gas for pumping to the power station via the Arab pipeline that begins in Egypt and passes through Jordan.
Jordan will count on the port to secure 90 percent of the fuel for the power plants, he said. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad port has a capacity of 490 million cf per day.
King Abdullah II named the port after His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during His Highness the Amir's visit to Jordan in February.
Jordan incurred losses estimated at USD five billion over the past four years due to shifting to diesel and heavy fuel for producing power. Currently, it imports 97 percent of its energy needs at a cost of USD seven billion per year, some 17 percent of the gross domestic product. (end) ab.rk