Jordan's energy security is essential given the nation's heavy reliance on imported oil and gas. Southern Ghour is a distinctive arid agricultural zone situated on the Earth's lowest land elevation, closely linked to energy demand, agricultural waste generation, and water scarcity. Between 2019 and 2024, Southern Ghour generated approximately 84,134 tons of waste and residues annually, including 31,554 tons of agricultural byproducts and 52,580 tons of animal waste. This study quantitatively evaluates two biomass utilization pathways, direct combustion and biogas generation, and considers liquid biofuel production (biodiesel and bioethanol) as a supplementary option. The study estimated the potential biogas production from animal manure and vegetable/fruit residues at 8.86 million cubic meters (MCM), corresponding to 18.60 GWh of annual electricity output using a combined heat and power (CHP) system, with animal manure accounting for 59.9% of the biogas. This research represents the first comprehensive regional evaluation of biomass-to-energy and wastewater reuse in Southern Ghour, distinguishing it from previous national studies. Direct combustion of agricultural residues and municipal solid waste (MSW) was estimated to produce 25.72 GWh of electrical energy annually. Allocating each resource to its optimal pathway yields an integrated potential of 38.93 GWh annually. Additionally, a decentralized wastewater treatment system could produce 1.70–3.27 million m3 of treated water and 0.35–0.60 million m3 of biogas annually (for the current and 25-year projected flows). The findings indicate that local biomass and wastewater resources could support decentralized renewable energy production, reduce agricultural waste accumulation, and improve irrigation water use.
