Hydrogen Blending as a Transitional Solution for Decarbonizing the Jordanian Electricity Generation Sector

While renewable energy deployment has accelerated in recent years, fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role in electricity generation worldwide. This necessitates the development of transitional strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from this sector while gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This study investigates the potential of blending green hydrogen with natural gas as a transitional solution to decarbonize Jordan’s electricity sector. The research presents a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental assessment evaluating the compatibility of the Arab Gas Pipeline and major power plants with hydrogen–natural gas mixtures, considering blending limits, energy needs, environmental impacts, and economic feasibility under Jordan’s 2030 energy scenario. The findings reveal that hydrogen blending between 5 and 20 percent can be technically achieved without major infrastructure modifications. The total hydrogen demand is estimated at 24.75 million kilograms per year, with a reduction of 152.7 thousand tons of carbon dioxide per annum. This requires 296,980 cubic meters of water per year, equivalent to only 0.1 percent of the National Water Carrier’s capacity, indicating a negligible impact on national water resources. Although technically and environmentally feasible, the project remains economically constrained, requiring a carbon price of $1835.8 per ton of carbon dioxide for economic neutrality.