Viability of a Utility-Scale Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Power Plant in the Middle East

Abstract

A B S T R A C T This study examines the technical and economic potential of a utility-scale grid- connected solar power plant in the Middle East. Furthermore it argues that, due to the recent decline in solar array prices, the cost of solar electricity can be competitive, compared to the conventional sources used in energy-poor states. Performance modeling and energy yield simulation for a 90 MWp plant was performed using the PVsyst software. Results show an annual performance of 82.6%; the specific power output of useful electricity is 1,939 kWh/kWp/year and the capacity factor is 22%. Findings show that the plant's electricity generation is 174,549 MWh per year, which is sufficient energy to power approximately 40,000 homes with clean, renewable energy. A simplified financial evaluation of the plant's capital, operation and maintenance costs using recent market prices show that the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is between $0.05/kWh for the real cost scenario with no discount rate and $0.085/kWh with a 6% discount rate. In conclusion, the study shows that, in all cases and with no government incentives, the cost of solar electricity is lower than the current cost of $0.179/kWh that Jordan is paying for electricity generation using conventional sources.