Abstract
Climate change, increasing energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and the
energy crisis are global key drivers for a transition from the current centralised energy
system toward renewable energy . Solar energy is recognised as a promising source
of renewable energy, which offers an effective solution to energy issues and
contributes to sustainable development worldwide. However, the implementation and
development of solar energy technologies in Jordan are limited in practice due to
several reasons, such as political, economic, social and technological, which this
research seeks to explore. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential for
developing solar energy provision in Jordan. It analyses the current state of energy
development, including barriers, challenges, and opportunities in the development of
solar energy technologies in Jordan toward developing key strategies and a framework
that can be adapted to accelerate the growth of solar energy, through identifying the
research objectives and measuring the relationships between them.
To achieve effectively the research objectives, a mixed method approach is adopted
for data collection and analytical processes, since both qualitative and quantitative
approaches are equally important and valid in the context of the research aim. The
qualitative research methodology comprises two stages; the first stage is a review of
the literature using secondary data. The second stage involves semi-structured
interviews conducted with most experienced practitioners in Jordan, while the
quantitative research methodology consists of a survey. The questionnaire was initially
conducted as a pilot with 23 responses, and then with 176 participants for the main
study. Various statistical analysis tools were used, including descriptive and inferential
statistics for the quantitative method, such as Excel and SPSS software.
The research findings emphasise the necessity of combining efforts among social,
educational, political, and governmental levels to achieve successful sustainable
energy implementation. Key industry leaders, supported by government sectors,
should develop comprehensive regulations and guidelines to promote sustainable
energy adoption, accompanied by educational programs, public awareness and media
campaigns, and technical workshops focusing on solar energy technology. The study
highlights the key role of policymakers in establishing funding initiatives and financial
incentives to support solar energy implementation and development. It sheds light on
the importance of applying policies targeting the transition from fossil fuel energy
towards renewable energy. A strategic three-phase approach is needed, including
short-term (1-2 years), medium-term (2-5 years), and long-term (5+ years)
implementation strategies, designed to address systemic challenges and support
energy security, economic development, and sustainable development targets of
Jordan. The findings of this thesis are not limited to Jordan but can provide an effective
basis for decision-makers in similar contexts to accelerate the transition towards
sustainable energy by the utilisation of solar energy. The research has provided
actionable recommendations for future studies aimed at promoting the sustainable
expansion of solar energy infrastructure within the Jordanian context.