Oil Shale in Jordan

A black oil pumpjack operating in a desert under a cloudy sky.

Overview

Jordan possesses one of the most significant oil shale resources in the world, making it a strategic domestic energy asset.
Oil shale is especially important for Jordan because the country has limited conventional oil and gas resources and relies heavily on imported energy.
Development of oil shale can support energy security, local industry, employment, and long-term national economic resilience.

Heavy machinery operates at a large mining or construction site under a cloudy sky.

Resources

Oil shale deposits are found across large areas of Jordan, with major deposits located in the central region of the Kingdom.
Key oil shale locations include:
Attarat Umm Ghudran
El-Lajjun
Sultani
Jurf Ed-Darawish
Wadi Maghar
Wadi Thamad
Khan Ez Zabib
Siwaga
Jordan’s oil shale resources are estimated at approximately 40–70 billion tonnes, with deposits underlying more than 60% of the country’s territory.

Illuminated offshore oil rig at sunset over the ocean.

Production and Energy Development

Jordan has moved from resource exploration toward commercial utilization of oil shale.
The Attarat Power Plant is Jordan’s first oil-shale-fired power plant, with 470 MW net capacity and an investment of approximately USD 2.1 billion.
The project demonstrates Jordan’s ability to use domestic oil shale for electricity generation and reduce dependence on imported fuels.

Application

Oil shale in Jordan can be used for:
Electricity generation
Shale oil production
Cement industry fuel
Industrial energy supply
Long-term strategic energy security

Strategic Importance

Oil shale represents a major opportunity for Jordan to strengthen national energy independence.
With responsible development, modern mining methods, and environmental controls, Jordan’s oil shale sector can become a key pillar of the country’s energy and industrial future.