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Title The Potential of Concentrating Solar Power for the Namibian Transition Toward a Renewable Energy Future
Date 2012
Author(s) Le Fol, Yoann
Contributor(s) Hvelplund, Frede
Abstract In 2011, Namibia had 415 MW of installed generation capacity shared among three conventional power plants albeit the electrical peak demand was 590MW. Consequently, Namibia relies on imports from others Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) members to bridge the gap between electricity generation and demand. Moreover, energy shortages due to declining import options are forecasted as of 2013. In this context, decision-makers particularly envisaged procurements of conventional power plants to be less capital intensive. However, renewable energy has been identified as having a role to play in the Namibia's power supply. The White Paper on Energy of 1998 recognizes the benefit of renewable technologies with regard to sustainability and security of supply. Besides, renewable resources are largely available across the country, the most important one being an excellent solar regime. Furthermore, multiple technical and geographical considerations indicate that concentrated solar power (CSP) could effectively challenge conventional energy such as coal power. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the techno-economic as well as development potential of CSP within the Namibian context. A GIS screening analysis including a broad range of geographical features (e.g. solar irradiation, land use, ground slope) identifies suitable areas for CSP establishment and gives an estimation of the CSP ceiling generation. Subsequently, the geographical distribution of CSP techno-economic performances is examined through the mapping of levelized electricity costs of electricity (LCOE). An attempt is made to match high soar irradiation with relatively short distances to the infrastructure networks. This approach enables to identify the most appropriate area for CSP establishment. Finally, a combination of Meteonrom and Solar model Advisor is used to design CSP concrete alternative which are integrated in a scenario analysis comparing the futures of CSP and coal power in Namibia.<br/>
Subject(s) Namibia, concentrating solar power (CSP), GIS, ceiling generation, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), scenario analysis
Coverage 50 pages
Language eng
Relation By-, Energi- og Miljøplanlægning, Kandidat; Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning, Master; 3. semester; 3. Term; Sustainable Energy: Planning and Management; http://vbn.aau.dk/ws/files/58698477/Internship_report_Yoann_Le_Fol_The_Potential_of_Concentrated_Solar_Power_for_the_Namibian_Transition_toward_a_Renewable_Energy_Future.pdf
Type of publication TERMPAPER
Format application/pdf
Repository Aalborg - Aalborg University
Added to C-A: 2016-09-22;13:12:15