Spatial Analysis of Wind in Jordan to Determine the Suitable Locations for Establishment of Renewable Power Stations

The aim of this study is to analyze wind data in terms of speed and direction in 24 meteorological stations spreading over different areas in Jordan such as Jordan Valley, the Eastern Highlands, and Southern and Eastern Badia. Annual, seasonal and monthly averages of the winds data were analyzed to estimate the density of potential power in every meteorological station. The results show that the wind trends in Jordan are mostly the western trend. This has been found in spring and autumn with a speed ranges between 280-285º and 260-265º respectively. Furthermore, northwest winds were found in summer whereas south-west winds was in winter. The annual average of wind speed in Jordan ranges between (0.7 m/s) in Ghour Al Safi and (5.2 m/s) in Ras Manif. Based on their average of the wind speed meteorological stations in Jordan were categorized into three groups. Based on the seasonal averages, the highest winds speed was in spring season (2.83 m/s) whereas in summer season a slight decrease of wind speed was noticed (2.77 m/s). The situation of wind speed in winter and autumn was (2.48 m/s) and (2.08 m/s) respectively. Regarding the density of potential energy, the highest values was in Ras Muntif (88.1W/m²/h), followed by Aqaba (41.4 W/m²/h), Madabba (35.2 W/m²/h) South Azraq (33.7 W/m²/h), Safawi (32.6 W/m²/h) Amman Civil Airport (22.3 W/m²/h) and Tafileh (21.6 W/m² /h). The density of potential energy in other meteorological stations was less than (20W/ m²/ h