PHOTOVOLTAIC WATER PUMPING PROGRAM IN JORDAN

It is estimated that more than a billion people in rural areas of developing countries have no adequate access to clean drinking water (World bank, 1994).The UNEP has reported about 25000 people die every day as a result of water related diseases (UNEP, 1991). Photovoltaic Water pumping systems have been introduced as a promised solution for replacing the problimatic diesel engines used in the early stages. Jordan has started its research program in in 1985 where the first experemental system was installed. During the period 1985 to 1990, the total of 6 systems were installed and operated in different locations in Jordan. In1991, another research project concentrating on the comparison between two different PV water pumping systems was initiated.In 1992, Jordan has participated in the International Program for Field Testing of PV water pumps. in this program, three years period of research and testing of 8 PVP systems had been completed. Finally, 1n 1999, Jordan has participated in the Eldorado project where several PV water pumping systems were installed and operated in other remote locations throughout the country.