Geothermal Energy Resources in Jordan

Jordan is located in the western region of Asia. It has limited conventional energy resources such as oil and gas: and is reliant on imported oil and gas. Although, it lies nearby a tectonically active border. Therefore, Jordan could have a potential for utilizing the available geothermal energy resources, however, all previous studies and reports showed that a wide range of temperature applications, such as space heating and power generation would be utilized. Nevertheless, it would not be possible at prevailing conditions to utilize high-temperature applications. This work reviewed all published official reports pertinent to geothermal energy in Jordan, including techno-economic studies for utilizing such resources. At present some of these sites are used as thermal spa. Since the economics of available geothermal energy recovery processes and environmental controls are still not attractive under the present conditions. Hence, the utilization of such resources in the future will be strictly limited by eco-technical feasibilities. Comprehensive scientific research, feasibility studies, legislation, and best practice codes should be addressed as main parts of a national energy strategy for future utilization. In this chapter, a short introduction about the country, location, demography, economy, and energy sector is presented to provide the readers with a simple background of Jordan. Then a review of local geothermal sources with previous studies investigating the occurrence and possible utilization of such resource were assessed. Also, the current uses for space heating and cooling are presented and finally recommended future actions and essential scientific research studies are pointed out.