The optimal share of PV and CSP for highly renewable power systems in the GCC region

The present work investigates how it is possible to make solar energy more dispatchable and maximize its penetration in power grids with high contribution of renewables. The study considers three technologies: PV parks and two CSP plant configurations, namely PTC and CRS, both with 8-h thermal energy storage. It is assumed that the solar power generation system consists of a fixed number of plants, each one rated 100 MWe. The load-following capability of the solar mix is targeted by investigating the annual solar fraction and the LCOE for a typical power demand in a Gulf country. The performance prediction is based on a Trnsys model. A special attention was paid to the dispatch strategy: the priority is given to the less programmable PV fields, while CSP plants operate to fulfill the residual power demand (whenever possible). The simulation results show that a scenario "CSP only" lead to maximize the annual solar fraction (75%), whilst the best LCOE (6.2 cent$/kWh) is obtained if the total solar capacity is based on the cheaper PV technology. Hybrid solutions combine the benefits from both PV and CSP, keeping low the generation cost and ensuring a more flexible production. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.