Capacity Building in Wind Energy and Concentrating Solar Power Project (WECSP):
The ''Capacity Building in Wind Energy & Concentrating Solar Power (WECSP) in Jordan was started implementation in 2011 after signing the project’s agreement No. Europe Aid/ 129543/C/SER/JO between the European Delegation in Amman and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) & the National Center for Research and Development on the 17th of November 2010 for development – study – implementation – training and testing for the “Capacity building of Wind Energy and Concentration Solar Power-WECSP project”.
The EU funded WECSP project seeks to build the capacities of the beneficiary (i.e. the National Center for Research and Development), of a national technical team, as well as of university students in the fields of Wind Energy and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) development. The current project aims to continue and complement the Technical Assistance provided through the initial WECSP Project in the period 2011-2014.
Objective of the project:
The overall objective of the WECSP project is to support the rational and sustainable use of alternative energy resources in Jordan, and more specifically to support the National Energy Research Center (NERC) to steer and facilitate the implementation of the Jordanian Government Renewable Energy Strategy 2007-2020.
WECSP Project Site Location:
The wind and CSP pilot plants and testing facility are installed in the El Fujaij site (Al Shoubak) at an elevation of approximately 1200m above sea level at approx. 30.5720 N and 35.6240 E (WGS 84). The location is about 200 km south of Amman, the capital of Jordan, and about 180 km north of Aqaba sea Port.
WECSP project facilities and plants:
Building: the building has been constructed through the ministry of planning and International Cooperation fund. The building is comprised of labs, lecturing halls, and offices.
Wind Pilot Plant: The EU funded system is based on installation, construction, and set up of a wind turbine capacity of 1.65 MW. This system has been connected with the national electricity grid (medium voltage). The necessary MV substation including the control system and breaks and wind mast of 70m height equipped with necessary wind speed & wind direction sensors.
CSP Pilot Plants: The EU funded system is based on installation, construction, and set-up of CSP pilot plants with a capacity of 1 MW. This system will be connected with the national electricity grid (medium voltage). The area of the CSP plant will be up to approximately 60,000 m².
Beginning 2013 both facilities' tenders were finalized and both supply contracts have been signed by NERC/NCRD. Both contracts are under implementation according to the contractual terms, where the wind part is almost accomplished while the CSP part is foreseen towards late 2015.