Wind Energy Potential in Jordan: Analysis of the First Large-Scale Wind Farm and Techno-Economic Assessment of Potential Farms

Abstract

Abstract We research the investment potential of wind energy in Jordan. The capacity factor of the first large-scale wind farm in the country, Tafila Wind Farm, was found to be 33.1%, based on actual energy production during its first year of operation. The best performing turbine in the farm achieved a capacity factor of 39.1%. Other eight sites, which are expected to have such capacity factors were subjected to techno-economic investigation utilizing 52 different turbine models of nameplate capacities range from 1.0 to 5.0 MW. A capacity factor higher than 25.0% can be achieved at all the studied sites. The average levelized cost of electricity of the 52 turbines at the eight sites is 0.0708 $/kWh, and the cost ranges from 0.0452 to 0.1108 $/kWh. A proposed 80 MW farm at every location results in a total capacity of 640 MW and an annual estimated energy generation of 1545.0–2076.0 GWh, around 7.0–9.0% of the country's projected electricity demand in 2020.