H                 Hydropower sources in Jordan are limited due to the fact that the surface water resources, such as rivers and falls, are almost negligible. However, currently there are two small hydropower schemes. The first one is King Talal dam spanning the river Zarqa, with a rated electricity-generating capacity of 5 MW. The other scheme is at the Aqaba thermal power station, where the hydro-turbine utilizing the available head of returning cooling seawater with a capacity of 5 MW. The total amount of electricity generated, in 2001, by hydro-units was 42.7 GWh, i.e. 0.56% of the total national electricity generation. This represents, at present, the total economically feasible capacity for hydropower in Jordan.

                      However, there is a great possibility to generate electricity, using hydropower stations, by exploiting the elevation difference between the Red and Dead Seas. The latter is the lowest region on earth with water-surface of 400 m below normal sea level. If seawater is allowed to follow from the Gulf of Aqaba into the Dead Sea through a canal system at predetermined rates, it will produce electrical power from hydropower stations and potable water from seawater desalination plants. While, this project is expected to help in establishing new economic activities, such as tourism and agriculture, it ensures supply of large amounts of highly needed electricity and water as well as the renewal of the Dead Sea water by making up the evaporated water.