The optimal share of PV and CSP for highly renewable power systems in the GCC region

The present work investigates how it is possible to make solar energy more dispatchable and maximizeits penetration in power grids with high contribution of renewables. The study considers three tech-nologies: PV parks and two CSP plant configurations, namely PTC and CRS, both with 8-h thermal energystorage. It is assumed that the solar power generation system consists of afixed number of plants, eachone rated 100 MWe. The load-following capability of the solar mix is targeted by investigating the annualsolar fraction and the LCOE for a typical power demand in a Gulf country.The performance prediction is based on a Trnsys model. A special attention was paid to the dispatchstrategy: the priority is given to the less programmable PVfields, while CSP plants operate to fulfill theresidual power demand (whenever possible). The simulation results show that a scenario“CSP only”leadto maximize the annual solar fraction (75%), whilst the best LCOE (6.2 ¢$/kWh) is obtained if the totalsolar capacity is based on the cheaper PV technology. Hybrid solutions combine the benefits from bothPV and CSP, keeping low the generation cost and ensuring a moreflexible production.