The cost of integration of parabolic trough CSP plants in isolated Mediterranean power systems

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2010-06, Vol.14 (5), p.1469-1476
• Main Authors: Poullikkas, Andreas, Hadjipaschalis, Ioannis, Kourtis, George
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; CSP; Economic data; Electric energy; Energy; Energy economics; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Natural energy; Renewable energy sources; Solar energy; Solar energy Solar thermal power plants CSP Renewable energy sources; Solar thermal conversion; Solar thermal power plants
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2010.01.003

In this work, a technical and economic analysis concerning the integration of parabolic trough concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, with or without thermal storage capability, in an existing typical small isolated Mediterranean power generation system, in the absence of a feed-in tariff scheme, is carried out. In addition to the business as usual (BAU) scenario, five more scenarios are examined in the analysis in order to assess the electricity unit cost with the penetration of parabolic trough CSP plants of 50 MWe or 100 MWe, with or without thermal storage capability. Based on the input data and assumptions made, the simulations indicated that the scenario with the utilization of a single parabolic trough CSP plant (either 50 MWe or 100 MWe and with or without thermal storage capability) in combination with BAU will effect an insignificant change in the electricity unit cost of the generation system compared to the BAU scenario. In addition, a sensitivity analysis on natural gas price, showed that increasing fuel prices and the existence of thermal storage capability in the CSP plant make this scenario marginally more economically attractive compared to the BAU scenario.