Promotion of wind energy in Jordan

Abstract

Due to the economic growth, increasing population, high fossil fuel cost, and the growing energy demand in Jordan, the provision of reliable energy supply at reasonable cost is considered a crucial element of economic reform. The present study utilizes fuzzy logic methodology to assess wind sites in Jordan and to decide which sites should be given the highest priority respect to their benefits and costs. The criterion of evaluation using fuzzy logic is based on different parameters, i.e., wind resources, prevailing wind direction, above ground level (AGL), site capacity, soil conditions, site elevation, land cost, land roughness, temperature, cultural and environmental concerns, aviation/telecommunications conflicts, nearby residentpsilas concerns, site environmental issues (corrosion, humidity), and distance to transmission line. The results show that Al Harir site in Al Tafila city is found to be the best choice and should be given the highest priority. It is followed by Al-Fujeij in Al-Shawbak then Al-Kamsha in Jerash.