China's Costly, Troubled Energy Project Plunges Jordan into Debt Crisis

The Attarat power plant in Jordan was aimed at securing energy independence but has instead burdened the country with billions in debt to China.
The project is less crucial to Jordan's energy goals than once envisioned but has become a major enterprise under China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Jordan would have to repay China $8.4 billion over 30 years for electricity from the plant, causing tensions between the countries.
The Attarat project exemplifies China's practice of providing economically troubled countries loans that are difficult to repay.
Jordan has launched legal efforts to void the deal and gain debt relief from the costly project.