Wind as an alternative source of energy in Jordan

The interest and motivation for harnessing wind power have grown tremendous ly during the nineteen-eighties in many developed countries as a result of frequent energy crises on the one hand and persisting issues of environment al pollution on the other. These activities have stimulated at the same tim e, the scientific and research community in Jordan to launch a serious seri es of investigations into the reality of wind energy potentials in the coun try. This study examines in detail the plausibility of utilizing wind as an alternative source of energy in Jordan. The task is accomplished by review ing the history of the measurements performed in the early days by the mete orological department up to full involvement by the Royal Scientific Societ y in 1981. This is followed by data evaluation and resource analysis, yield ing a regional classification as a result of matching between the systems a nd the sites' power distribution. In addition, the cost of wind energy in J ordan Dinar per kWh is outlined for the various wind regions in order to sh ow their cost-competitiveness with conventional power generation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.