Just Energy Transition

Innovation challenge: Artificial intelligence and young people shall green the construction sector in Jordan

The education partnership by the Jordanian National University College of Technology and Algebra Intelligence is one of the three winners of the ILO Just Energy Transition Innovation Challenge. The project aims to improve energy efficiency in buildings by training young people to use AI technology in smarter and better ways.

News | 26 May 2023
GENEVA (ILO News) – The energy sector powers economies and sustains jobs. It also generates approximately two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions. In the course of energy transitions, substantive employment and social impacts need to be anticipated and planned for. Through 2022, the ILO ran its first-ever just transition innovation challenge on energy transitions, with the aim to identify, enhance, test and disseminate high-potential policy ideas and solutions that promote a just energy transition for all.

Following its review of applications, the ILO has the pleasure to introduce another winner of this challenge call - the “Upskilling Program: Artificial Intelligence applications in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ” from the National University College of Technology and Algebra Intelligence in Jordan. This education-private sector partnership aims to provide hands-on technical training to young people, particularly women, in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, increasing their employment opportunities and contributing to a sustainable future in the construction sector.

National University College of Technology and Algabra company team leaders
From left to right: Eng. Osama Edwan, Eng. Ahmed Al-Tawafsha, General Manager of Algabra Company, Prof. Ahmed Al-Salaymeh, Dean of NUCT, Dr. Walaa Al-Smadi , Director of International Projects office, Eng. Bilal Al-Salaymeh
The National University College of Technology is teaming up with Algebra Intelligence to create a digital training course designed to train young people in the latest clean energy technologies. The toolkit will incorporate Algebra Intelligence's cutting-edge solutions, giving trainees a chance to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in this sector. Through this collaboration, trainees will also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships with private and public employers who are partners of the project. By putting their newly acquired knowledge into practice, these young professionals will be well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the clean energy sector, while also enhancing their employability prospects.

The Jordanian government has identified the skilling, reskilling, and upskilling of its labor force as crucial to achieving its clean energy transition and decarbonization targets for 2030, according to the Jordan Energy Strategy (2020-2030). Technology and training, as piloted under this project, will support the country's aims for a just energy transition. This will enable more young people to secure decent work opportunities while simultaneously advancing the country's energy transition.

“The ILO's Just Energy Transition Innovation Call provides access and support on a just transition to a low carbon economy. By applying for this call, we hope to share our innovative ideas and receive financial support to implement them. The collaboration with the ILO would offer a platform for the implementation and scaling up of the solution, as well as access to the ILO's network and expertise in the field of just energy transition,” says Prof. Ahmed Al-Salaymeh, Dean of the National University College of Technology.

In addition to providing financial support to make the training publicly available, the ILO will leverage its expertise in related policy areas to support the implementation of the project. It will also facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience gained from the project through its Just Transition Innovation Hub. This way, the benefits of the project can extend beyond its immediate scope and contribute to broader initiatives aimed at fostering a just transition towards environmentally economies and societies.