Harnessing Wind Energy for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Tafila Wind Farm and its Contribution to the SDGs

¹ Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Amman 11733, Jordan
² The University of Jordan, Department of Civil Engineering, Amman 11942, Jordan

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The transition towards renewable sources of power is essential since fossil fuels are harmful to the environment and are depleting. This paper discusses the contribution of wind energy towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with reference to Tafila Wind Farm in Jordan. Wind energy has become economically and technology viable and it is growing at a high rate as indicated by the increase in installed capacity by 2020. Tafila Wind Farm averted 224,000 tons of CO 2 every year, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It produces 390 GWh of clean energy each year, supporting SDG 7, SDG 11 and SDG 12, and contributes to development by creating 115 construction jobs, 24 operational roles, and 58 ongoing jobs, supporting SDG 1 and SDG 8. With annual sales of electricity amounting to USD 27.612 million, the project also implements some of the proposed KPIs. With the help of data analysis, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, and SDGs, this paper presents the environmental, economic, and social advantages of wind power, and provides a framework of assessing the renewable projects.