Amman, Jordan – Under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Muawieh Radaideh, Minister of Environment, the German Jordanian University (GJU), in collaboration with the EDAMA Association, launched the first-ever recycling center for spent electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Jordan (C-Hub) on Tuesday, November 5, during an official MoU signing ceremony.
C-Hub's Mission and Goals
The C-Hub aims to enhance Jordan's role as a key player in the sustainable management of spent EV batteries by establishing an integrated ecosystem for recycling these batteries in Jordan through applied research and collaboration among various stakeholders. The initiative is supported by the German project "Green Action in Enterprises" (GAIN), implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
A Pivotal Step in Jordan's Green Transition
The ceremony was attended by over 80 high-level representatives from both the public and private sectors. Eng. Belal Shaqarin, Director of the Climate Change Directorate at the Ministry of Environment, delivered the keynote address on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Muawieh Radaideh. He emphasized that the C-Hub represents "a landmark in Jordan’s green transition."
University's Commitment to Sustainability
In his address, Prof. Ala'aldeen Al-Halhouli, President of the German Jordanian University, stressed that GJU is an ideal platform for bringing together various stakeholders and fostering joint cooperation. He highlighted the university's vital role in developing technical skills and building the necessary capacities for sustainability in Jordan.
Supporting Private Sector Investment
Mr. Simon Floeht, Project Manager of the GAIN project at GIZ, noted that the C-Hub "can play a significant role in encouraging private sector investment and supporting the Jordanian government in shaping policies that will unlock these vast opportunities."
A Step Toward a Sustainable Circular Economy
Dr. Duraid Mahasneh, Chairman of the EDAMA Association, welcomed the attendees and emphasized that the launch of the C-Hub represents a pivotal step in enabling Jordan to lead the transition to a sustainable circular economy. He explained that this initiative reflects Jordan's commitment to innovation and public-private collaboration in achieving sustainable development.
Center's Role in Advancing Sustainability
Dr. Fadwa Dababneh, Director of the C-Hub, provided an overview of the center’s goals and vision, highlighting its critical role in enhancing local and regional ecosystems. She stressed the center’s importance as a catalyst for sustainable practices, focusing on research, innovation, and partnerships to drive the circular economy in Jordan and the surrounding region.
Panel Discussion on Circular Economy Opportunities
The event also featured a panel discussion titled "Global Insights and Local Actions: Turning Battery Challenges into Economic Opportunities," moderated by Dr. Fadwa Dababneh. The session included participants such as Mr. Samer Joudeh, Eng. Hanna Zghoul, and Dr. Ali Al-Zyoud, who discussed various topics related to battery repurposing, integrating batteries into energy systems, and the economic feasibility of establishing a circular economy for batteries.
Memorandums of Understanding with the Private Sector
During the event, the German Jordanian University signed MoUs with the EDAMA Association as a founding member, and with Etihad Bank as the first sponsor of the C-Hub. These partnerships aim to enhance cooperation and accelerate the development of the circular economy in Jordan.
C-Hub at GJU: A Key Partner for Sustainability
The C-Hub will be established at the German Jordanian University, serving as a central hub for forging partnerships with the private sector and supporting the government through evidence-based policy advisory.