Zarqa Center for Energy Research
In view of Jordan’s limited conventional energy resources and its dependence on imports for approximately 98% of its total energy needs, the Zarqa Center for Energy Research is dedicated to studying various fields of energy and their economic, administrative, and environmental significance. The Center seeks to develop solutions that promote the use of alternative and renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which have a negative impact on the environment.
The Center conducts studies related to energy utilization in several areas, including photovoltaic systems, wind energy, solar thermal power farms, and other renewable energy technologies.
The Center was established at the beginning of the second semester of the 2015/2016 academic year. Special regulations governing the Center were approved by the Council of Deans and the Higher Education Council.
The Center is overseen by a governing council responsible for developing future plans, managing financial affairs, attracting external funding, and evaluating the Center’s overall performance.
The Center is also headed by a Director who is responsible for managing its various projects, coordinating the necessary communications, and submitting reports to the Center’s Council on achievements and progress. The Director also supervises the maintenance of the solar energy systems installed on the University campus and conducts economic analyses and feasibility studies for solar energy projects.
In addition, the Center provides theoretical and practical training for engineering professionals in the field of renewable energy. It also conducts studies on energy conservation and efficient energy use in industrial and commercial facilities, and designs renewable energy systems while assessing the economic feasibility of various projects.
Vision
To promote sustainable development through excellence in providing training and research services at the local, regional, and international levels in the fields of renewable energy, including photovoltaic systems, wind energy, and solar thermal energy.
Mission
To develop highly qualified professionals with strong theoretical, practical, and research competencies in renewable energy, capable of conducting comprehensive studies on energy conservation and efficiency, as well as designing renewable energy systems as sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources that contribute to economic and environmental challenges.
Center Objectives
The Center seeks to achieve the following objectives:
1.Encourage faculty members to conduct research in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency by providing them with the necessary information, data, equipment, and facilities required for applied studies and scientific research.
2.Collaborate with University faculty members to identify research directions related to renewable energy, determine research priorities, and support relevant research activities.
3.Provide employees of institutions and companies working in the field of renewable energy with up-to-date information, including the outcomes of the University’s solar energy project and any future projects that serve the local community. The Center also aims to enhance the professional competencies of personnel working in these institutions and companies through specialized training programs and the award of accredited certificates upon successful completion of the required practical examinations.
4.Support engineering programs at the University, particularly the Energy Engineering program, through:
oEstablishing research laboratories for solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy.
oProviding students with opportunities to undertake scientific graduation projects.
oProviding students with opportunities for practical field training.
5.Disseminate knowledge and raise public awareness within the local community regarding the importance of renewable energy by organizing technical and training courses in areas such as electricity generation from alternative energy sources, solar water-heating systems, renewable-energy-based heating systems, and energy efficiency.
6.Establish a statistical database related to renewable energy use in Zarqa Governorate and develop a strategic plan to contribute to increasing the adoption of alternative energy across various facilities and sectors, while encouraging its wider use.
7.Establish agreements and partnerships with relevant organizations and institutions in the fields of scientific research and technical expertise.
8.Conduct periodic inspections of the University’s solar energy projects and supervise their associated maintenance activities.
Implemented Projects
1. Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System
•Project Location: Zarqa University Campus
•Project Capacity: 2.37 MW
•Project Type: Grid-connected photovoltaic system (On-Grid), connected to the Jordanian electricity grid
•Project Distribution: The system is distributed across ten locations throughout the University campus.
The photovoltaic system is distributed across the following ten locations within the University campus:
1.Al-Farouq Building – 208.5 kW
2.Al-Khwarizmi Building – 180 kW
3.Bus Station – 252 kW
4.Technical College Building – 13 kW
5.Faculty of Economics Building – 107.25 kW
6.Solar Farm 1 – 828 kW
7.Solar Farm 2 – 438.9 kW
8.Sports Hall Building – 252 kW
9.Supplies and Procurement Building – 36 kW
10.Admissions and Registration Building – 60 kW
Project Efficiency:
The system covers the University’s entire electricity consumption
Project 2: Zarqa University Schools
•Project Location: Zarqa University Schools
•Project Capacity: 241.92 kW
•Project Type: Grid-connected photovoltaic system (On-Grid), connected to the Jordanian electricity grid
•Project Distribution: The system is distributed across three locations:
The photovoltaic system at Zarqa University Schools is distributed across the following three locations:
1.Primary School Buildings – 130.41 kW
2.Boys’ School Buildings – 58.59 kW
3.Girls’ School Buildings – 52.92 kW
Project Efficiency:
The system covers the entire electricity consumption of all three school facilities.
2.Off-Grid Photovoltaic System
•Project Location: Zarqa University Campus
•Project Capacity: 37.2 kW
•Project Type: Off-grid photovoltaic system
•Project Distribution: 124 lighting units distributed throughout the University campus
•Project Efficiency: The system meets the University’s full requirements for nighttime outdoor lighting.
Zarqa Center for Energy Research
Email: energy_center@zuedu.jo
Telephone: Ext. 2111 / 2033