Determination of Jordan's solar energy potential and design and analysis of a model solar power plant for Ma'an city

The limitations of fossil fuels, along with the increasing reliance on them across various sectors, have resulted in significant challenges, the most critical being global warming. This phenomenon directly influences climate change and adversely affects agriculture, thereby threatening food security and contributing to the proliferation of diseases. Fossil fuels present a fundamental issue for many countries. For instance, the Jordanian economy, like numerous others, encounters considerable difficulties due to its limited natural resources, which may not be sufficient to meet the growing demands of its population and industry. Among these challenges, ensuring a reliable energy supply and producing electricity efficiently and sustainably are of paramount importance. Electricity is an essential component of daily life, playing a crucial role in industrial operations, facilitating trade, and providing basic services to citizens. With the rising demand for electricity driven by population growth and industrial activity, Jordan faces difficulties in meeting this demand due to limited resources such as oil and natural gas. This situation increases the country's reliance on energy imports, which poses a significant economic burden due to fluctuations in global oil prices. This thesis foucus to promote the use of solar energy as a sustainable and reliable source to fulfill national energy needs. The project has been examined within the framework of the National Energy Strategy, reflecting a commitment to reducing dependence on imported fuels and enhancing energy security. Furthermore, this study involves the simulation and analysis of two solar power plant models: one with a nominal capacity of 5 MW and the other with a nominal capacity of 10 MW, focusing on their performance, economic returns, and environmental impacts. Simulation and analysis studies have shown that the power plant model with a nominal capacity of 10 MW is a more preferable option in terms of the above-mentioned parameters.