An AHP-GIS based site suitability analysis for integrating large-scale hybrid CSP+PV plants in Morocco: An approach to address the intermittency of solar energy

Abstract

Greater integration of solar energy into the worldwide energy mix is increasingly ineluctable and implies a proper site selection. Photovoltaic (PV) is economically more considerable due to its falling price, but storage issues arise with large-scale integration and might be tackled with Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) considering its thermal energy storage (TES) system. CSP + PV hybridization may constitute an optimal option for better energy dispatchability, higher capacity factors with a reduced Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). Herein, the overarching goal is to help locating and classifying appropriate sites suited for hybrid solar plants by dint of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method associated with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Given that CSP operates with either dry or wet cooling systems, the current assessment regarded both configurations to generate two potential maps within Morocco. Outcomes reveal that 11.2% and 32.2% represent the field share of excellent sites to host CSP + PV plants with wet and dry cooling correspondingly. Additionally, roughly 26.53% of the total area was left out representing the restriction mask. A sensitivity analysis was subsequently conducted to examine the most and least sensitive criteria. Thereafter, a techno-economic feasibility study in a hotspot was carried out for validation purposes: yield performances and LCOE of the hybrid CSP + PV plant - with 100 MWe capacity - were evaluated. Actually, the plant using wet cooling system can produce 312 GWeh/year with an LCOE of 0.0800 $/kWh. Whereas, with a dry cooling option, the annual production is of 333 GWeh/year and the LCOE is of 0.0816 $/kWh. This paper brings a novelty: the introduction of the “Water risk index (WRI)” amongst the decision factors from a visionary viewpoint. Being the first of its kind, the present research work may provide support for scientists and policy makers to evaluate their region's suitability for CSP + PV plants.