SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR PV SECTOR IN MENA- CASE STUDY JORDAN

摘要

The fluctuation on the oil prices in the international markets in 2008 coupled with the development of the PV industry led to the gradual integration of PV in the energy mix in many countries in MENA region. Stakeholders in the energy sector started developing the regulations necessary for the development of solar projects in their region. The renewable energy framework in Jordan will be presented with the learning lessons and the development that happened after implementing it for few years. This paper will present the development of PV Policies and regulations in Jordan since 2008 and the status of installation of PV projects on utility scale and consumer levels. PV on grid and off grid is used at more than 20 applications and some of the most recent installations will be presented. The public-private partnership between the regulators, banking sector, contractors, engineers and suppliers was successful in developing a sustainable model for the continuous integration of more PV projects on grid. Consumers are now able to meet 100% of the annual electricity needs using on grid PV projects both on site and off sites. The historical cost of generation of electricity in Jordan will be presented with the current electricity prices for different consumer sectors. The attractive payback period for different consumer sectors will be presented with learning lessons and recommendations based on the current prices of PV development. The driving factors for the growth of the PV sector will be presented. This includes the prices of energy, the demand for more energy, and the energy intensity for a developing economy. The expected development of the electrical distribution and transmission networks development to accommodate the needs of consumers to integrate PV projects will also be presented. With the continuous decline in the PV Levelized cost of energy, it is expected that more PV will be integrated into the electricity network. This will develop the energy services sector, contractors sector, and the industrial sector that will provide the necessary material that can be locally manufacturer. Key findings about the development of the PV sector will show that it will contribute to the sustainable development of the energy sector and provide affordable clean energy, with reduced losses in transportation, distribution and transition. The local efforts will be part of the future energy routes and will contribute to the clean energy development in MENA.