Overview of the integration of CSP as an alternative energy source in the MENA region

In this study, meteorological data from sixty-two locations in MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) region have been used to simulate the technical and the economic performances of a 50 MWe CSP (Concentrating Solar Power) power plant with parabolic troughs technology and two-tank storage system. As a first step, and due to the difference of the DNI (Direct Normal Irradiance) values in the different locations, the sizing of the optimum solar field and storage capacity has been done for each one of the sixty-two sites. After that, simulation of the electrical and economic output of the 50 MWe power plant has been conducted for all the sites. Furthermore, and for a clear representation of the results, maps of the region's electrical production and LCOE were created by interpolation of the site's simulation outputs and using a GIS software. Finally, a benchmarking of the region's production capacity against ANDASOL, the reference 50 MWe plants already operational in Spain, will be presented. Results: show that MENA region possesses a great potential to produce electricity from CSP with a competitive LCOE of 11.58 c€/kWh in comparison to Spain the leader on CSP production in the area. Those results can provide a good idea to the policymakers and investors in the field to push forward the installation of large-scale CSP plants in this region. This can lead to the creation of new job opportunities as well as sustainable development for the region's countries. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd