Energy, Economic and Environmental (3E) Analysis for an Optimal CSP Technology Integration in Morocco

Abstract

Among the existing solar technologies, Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) stands out as the most efficient and adaptable option for base load applications, primarily due to its thermal storage capabilities. However, despite its potential, the implementation of this technology still lacks competitiveness compared to Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Therefore, optimizing the plant components and operational factors becomes crucial for its cost-effective utilization, particularly in the desert regions of Morocco. Hence, the objective of this study comprised two main aspects: first, to conduct a parametric analysis aimed at selecting the optimal configuration for a parabolic trough collector (PTC)-based power plant suitable for the Moroccan context. Subsequently, an environmental analysis was performed to assess the impact of soiling on the plant operation. This step aimed to refine the precision of the techno-economic analysis and enhance the project’s bankability. High-quality in situ meteorological data and soiling measurements were utilized for these analyses. Furthermore, to ensure the reliability of the results, the results from the employed simulation tool were validated against real data obtained from an operational power plant. The results indicate that Morocco holds significant potential for the integration of large-scale CSP plants. A capacity of 1 MW utilizing PTC technology could yield an annual electricity production of up to 33 GWhe, with a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) estimated at 0.1465 EUR/kWh. However, accounting for soiling effects in the yield analysis, which is recommended for precise yield calculations, revealed a decrease in the annual production to 28 GWhe for the same 1 MW capacity. This reduction represented a 20% loss from the nominal conditions, resulting in a corresponding increase in electricity cost by 30.6 €/MWh.