Prospects and Challenges of Small Hydropower Development in Jordan

Jordan‟s energy balance is largely dominated by combustible fuels. However, the country is well endowed with solar, wind and oil shale resources, in addition to large and small-scale hydropower projects. Based on available data and the current analysis, it is believed that there are at least 6-10 candidate sites in the western part of Jordan and 2-3 locations in the eastern plateau, which could be developed as small hydro plants, with a combined potential of more than 33 MW. At present, only two sites, namely King Talal Dam and Aqaba Thermal Power Plant, have been developed to be operational from 1980‟s. A major barrier to starting small scale hydro power projects is an understanding of how much the scheme will cost. This paper provides also an overview of the setbacks that inhibit the smooth investment and operation of small hydropower plants in Jordan. It is estimated that installing small hydropower schemes on the most promising existing dams will generate more than 200 GWh/year of electric energy without effecting the natural environment. In addition, there are another few sites, still under study, that may be developed in the future as small hydro plants. © 2012 Jordan Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. All rights reserved