Enhancing energy sustainability: integrating concentrated solar power in Jordan’s oil shale extraction

Abstract This paper presents an experimental and modelling analysis of the integration of a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant into oil shale extraction in Jordan. The study examines Jordan’s proficiency in deep oil shale retorting utilizing Shell’s in-situ conversion process and determines the energy requirements for heating deep oil shale layers. A parabolic trough plant, modelled using SAM software, was designed to meet the energy demand. The plant’s annual energy output is 220 GWh, with a capital cost of $125 million and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 3.17 cents/kWh. The study demonstrates the technological feasibility and economic viability of the proposed integration.