Solar energy resources in Jordan: The current situation, the potentials, and a future perspective

Ahmed Al‐Salaymeh; Antonio Ficarella; Walaa Al‐Smadi; Hussein Daoud; Maram Al-Hijaj; Bilal Al‐Salaymeh; Sara Qutishat; Mohammed Abdalla; Neofytos Komninos; Martin Hauer; Gianpiero Colangelo; Ali Aghazadeh Ardebili; Antonella Longo; Maria Pia Romano; Ahmad Sakhrieh; Ahmed Al‐Salaymeh; Antonio Ficarella; Walaa Al‐Smadi; Hussein Daoud; Maram Al-Hijaj; Bilal Al‐Salaymeh; Sara Qutishat; Mohammed Abdalla; Neofytos Komninos; Martin Hauer; Gianpiero Colangelo; Ali Aghazadeh Ardebili; Antonella Longo; Maria Pia Romano; Ahmad Sakhrieh

doi:10.3934/energy.2026022

AIMS Energy

2026, Volume 14, Issue 3: 521-547. doi: 10.3934/energy.2026022

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Perspective

Solar energy resources in Jordan: The current situation, the potentials, and a future perspective

1.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
2.
Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italia
3.
Department of Electrical Engineering, Al‐Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan
4.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University College of Technology, Amman, Jordan
5.
Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
6.
School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
7.
Unit of Energy Efficient Building, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
8.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Computing, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 10021, United Arab Emirates

Received: 13 December 2025 Revised: 27 March 2026 Accepted: 08 April 2026 Published: 19 May 2026

Jordan is classified as a low-to‐middle income country, in which the primary energy sources are imported crude oil and natural gas. Energy expenses represent a high percentage of the country's GDP and are amongst the greatest hindering factors for industrial expansion and regional/international competitiveness. Solar energy is a key resource that should clearly be utilized to significantly improve both the country's economy and energy security. Jordan has been ranked in third place among Arab countries, but globally, countries like China and the US lead in solar capacity, while others like Chile show very high potential. This paper outlines the status of solar energy in Jordan, its potential, and the outlook for future growth. It also touches on national targets, investment trends, and the broader policy and institutional context shaping the sector's development. These data were collected by local and international reports, strategies, and policies related to the solar energy status in Jordan. The review suggests that solar energy in Jordan is moving in a promising direction, though certain policies, infrastructure, and capacity-related hurdles remain. Unlocking its full potential will likely depend on ongoing commitment, smart investment, and broader collaboration.
- solar energy,
- PV,
- PV regulations
Citation: Ahmed Al‐Salaymeh, Antonio Ficarella, Walaa Al‐Smadi, Hussein Daoud, Maram Al-Hijaj, Bilal Al‐Salaymeh, Sara Qutishat, Mohammed Abdalla, Neofytos Komninos, Martin Hauer, Gianpiero Colangelo, Ali Aghazadeh Ardebili, Antonella Longo, Maria Pia Romano, Ahmad Sakhrieh. Solar energy resources in Jordan: The current situation, the potentials, and a future perspective[J]. AIMS Energy, 2026, 14(3): 521-547. doi: 10.3934/energy.2026022

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Abstract

Jordan is classified as a low-to‐middle income country, in which the primary energy sources are imported crude oil and natural gas. Energy expenses represent a high percentage of the country's GDP and are amongst the greatest hindering factors for industrial expansion and regional/international competitiveness. Solar energy is a key resource that should clearly be utilized to significantly improve both the country's economy and energy security. Jordan has been ranked in third place among Arab countries, but globally, countries like China and the US lead in solar capacity, while others like Chile show very high potential. This paper outlines the status of solar energy in Jordan, its potential, and the outlook for future growth. It also touches on national targets, investment trends, and the broader policy and institutional context shaping the sector's development. These data were collected by local and international reports, strategies, and policies related to the solar energy status in Jordan. The review suggests that solar energy in Jordan is moving in a promising direction, though certain policies, infrastructure, and capacity-related hurdles remain. Unlocking its full potential will likely depend on ongoing commitment, smart investment, and broader collaboration.

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