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The Contested Energy Future of Amman, Jordan: Between Promises of Alternative Energies and a Nuclear Venture

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  • Éric Verdeil

Abstract

Metropolitan authorities and local business elites are often seen as major players in the energy transition in the city. Such energy transitions are mostly conceived of as low carbon technologies, which permit the retrofitting of urban infrastructure and the rebundling of metabolic circuits. This article contests these views by highlighting the major role of non-urban energy sector institutions and actors. By examining the connections between technology, space and energy politics, and by using a relational understanding of the urban, this article explores the case of Amman’s energy transition. The growth of consumption coupled with new energy practices face a problematic supply because of shifts in regional geopolitics. This situation has prompted energy transition policies, among which are a green growth programme and the building of a nuclear power plant at the edge of the city. The article analyses the socio-political assemblages that shape those policies and unravels the competing interests at stake. It demonstrates the political and highly unruly nature of energy transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Éric Verdeil, 2014. "The Contested Energy Future of Amman, Jordan: Between Promises of Alternative Energies and a Nuclear Venture," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 51(7), pages 1520-1536, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:51:y:2014:i:7:p:1520-1536
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098013500085
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Erik Swyngedouw, 2009. "The Antinomies of the Postpolitical City: In Search of a Democratic Politics of Environmental Production," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(3), pages 601-620, September.
    2. Hodson, Mike & Marvin, Simon, 2010. "Can cities shape socio-technical transitions and how would we know if they were?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 477-485, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Idalina Baptista, 2015. "‘We Live on Estimates': Everyday Practices of Prepaid Electricity and the Urban Condition in Maputo, Mozambique," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(5), pages 1004-1019, September.
    2. Verdeil, Éric & Arik, Elvan & Bolzon, Hugo & Markoum, Jimmy, 2015. "Governing the transition to natural gas in Mediteranean Metropolis: The case of Cairo, Istanbul and Sfax (Tunisia)," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 235-245.

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