Investigation of the potential for electrification of remote areas using parabolic solar collectors in southern Algeria

Abstract

The dish stirling technology holds great promise as a renewable energy solution for remote and off-grid electric regions, particularly in the southern areas of North Africa. In this research, we conducted simulations of a 100 kw Dish Stirling system to evaluate its feasibility in comparison to photovoltaic technology at five distinct locations in southern Algeria: Adrar (Bordj Badji Mokhtar), Illizi (Djanet), Tamanrasset (Ain Mertoutek), Tindouf, and Bechar. Our findings underscore the substantial potential of Dish Stirling Solar Power technology, with the Sahara region standing out as particularly promising. In this region, the Dish Stirling system consistently outperforms a 100 kw photovoltaic system across all selected locations. The Dish Stirling system achieves an average annual electricity generation of 256 mwh while simultaneously mitigating CO2 emissions by 177 tons annually. Among these locations, Djanet Illizi emerges as the most favorable, with the Dish Stirling system producing an impressive 288.43 mwh annually. This capacity is sufficient to meet the annual energy needs of 230 households, all while maintaining a competitive LCOE of 0.0378 USD/kwh. Comparative analysis with previous research illuminates the remarkable cost-effectiveness of Dish Stirling technology in southern Algeria, primarily due to its abundant direct normal irradiance levels. These findings underscore the immense potential of Dish Stirling systems as a clean and highly efficient energy solution, well-suited for demanding to address the energy needs of remote environments, such as those found in the southern border regions of Algeria.