Utilization of Jordanian Oil Shale : Status and Future Prospects

Oil shale is the major indigenous fossil fuel in Jordan, yet it is not used at present. During the next few years, a commercial oil shale industry could develop in the country and grow to produce shale oil and/or electricity, which would substitute imported crude oil and petroleum products. The future beneficial use of the vast oil shale deposits depends not only on the development of suitable process economics but also on the availability of suitable environmental controls. Thus, oil shale’s future will be a mixture of promise and risk. However, oil shale can be considered as Jordan’s most extensive domestic fossil fuel source well throughout the 21st century and beyond. But the Government’s position with regard to what should be done in order to utilize such resource in a wise way is not clear enough. So, a national energy plan, with comprehensive scientific research, feasibility studies, legislation and best practice codes as main parts, should be developed in order to decide the most suitable oil shale utilization technology for Jordan. In this article, different routes for developing indigenous oil shale resources and their vital role in reducing dependence of Jordan on imported oil are assessed. Also, the government’s direction and strategy with respect to premature and loose energy policy are discussed and further scientific research studies are suggested