Geospatial Quantification of the Energy Economic Potential for Utility-Scale Photovoltaics: Case of the United Arab Emirates

Tuomiranta, A., Jayyousi, Majd, Calisto, Luis, Sgouridis, Sgouris, Beegum, S. Naseema, Ibarra, Mercedes, Estima, Jacinto, Ghedira, Hosni

ISES Solar World Congress 2015 · Daegu, Korea · 2015-11-08
Published by International Solar Energy Society (ISES)
DOI: 10.18086/swc.2015.05.26

Abstract

An enhanced methodology for the assessment of energy economic potential for utility-scale photovoltaics is proposed in this paper. Independent methods are presented for the quantification of resource, technical, and economic potentials. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study focusing on the territory of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The technical potential is computed by means of a locally validated PV plant performance model and the economic potential by estimating levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) based on detailed and spatially variable cost data. The results of the case study indicate a large potential for utility- scale photovoltaics in the UAE. At an electricity price of 0.07 USD per kWh, the economic potential is identified as approximately 10 EJ – 26-fold the country’s electricity demand in 2013.

Keywords

Solar photovoltaic, Levelised cost of electricity, Potential assessment

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