In the sun-drenched regions of the world, a new dawn is breaking for concentrated solar power (CSP). As nations grapple with the dual challenges of energy security and climate change, CSP is emerging as a viable contender in the renewable energy mix. However, integrating CSP into national grids, especially in developing countries, is fraught with complexities. A groundbreaking study led by Abdulrahman AlKassem from the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, offers a beacon of clarity amidst the uncertainty. Published in the journal Energies, the research provides a robust framework for evaluating CSP technologies, tailored to the unique needs of developing economies.
CSP, which harnesses the sun’s energy to produce steam that drives turbines, has long been overshadowed by its more prevalent cousin, photovoltaic (PV) solar power. While PV panels have seen rapid deployment and cost reductions, CSP offers distinct advantages, such as the ability to store energy thermally, providing power even when the sun isn’t shining. “CSP can offer important benefits, such as the use of thermal energy storage and opportunities for hybridization with conventional power plants,” AlKassem explains. “This can improve dispatchability and lengthen electrical production times, making CSP a strong contender for grid integration.”
The study, titled “The Strategic Selection of Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Technologies in Developing Countries Using a Fuzzy Decision Framework,” delves into the intricate web of factors that influence CSP deployment. AlKassem and his team employed a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach in a fuzzy environment to navigate the ambiguities and uncertainties inherent in such projects. They evaluated six technology combinations, including parabolic trough collectors, solar towers, and linear Fresnel systems, each with varying installed capacities and thermal storage levels.
The research considered four main criteria—technical, economic, environmental, and social factors—and broke them down into 29 sub-criteria. To ensure a comprehensive assessment, the team gathered input from 44 stakeholders across South Africa, India, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. “The goal was to provide planners in developing countries with a method for honing in on the practical possibilities during the early planning phases,” AlKassem states. “This way, they can discern the CSP technologies and configurations that could enhance support for sustainable development in ways that meet local requirements.”
The findings are a treasure trove for energy planners and investors. The study identified six alternative scenarios, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a 200 MW solar tower with 12 hours of thermal energy storage (TES) showed impressive results in reliability, conversion efficiency, and job creation. However, it also required the most significant capital investment. On the other hand, a parabolic trough system with synthetic oil as the heat transfer fluid offered exceptional maturity and lower greenhouse gas emissions but lacked thermal storage.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As developing countries seek to expand their energy capacities, this research provides a roadmap for integrating CSP technologies that align with local needs and priorities. “The proposed methodology will help stakeholders comprehend and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages associated with each course of action relative to the local energy sector needs, weather conditions, stakeholder objectives, and obstacles to CSP integration,” AlKassem notes.
The study, published in Energies, underscores the potential of CSP to revolutionize the energy landscape in sun-rich regions. By offering a systematic decision-making framework, AlKassem’s research paves the way for more informed and strategic investments in CSP technologies. As the world continues to pivot towards renewable energy, this work could shape the future of solar power, driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. The stage is set for CSP to shine, and with frameworks like this, the path forward is clearer than ever.