Assessing electricity generation potential and identifying possible locations for siting hybrid concentrated solar biomass (HCSB) plants in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. (1st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Middelhoff, Ella; Madden, Ben; Ximenes, Fabiano; Carney, Catherine; Florin, Nick
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 305(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Subjects: Renewable energy resource assessment -- Bioenergy -- Concentrated solar power -- Hybrid plants; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117942
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Geospatial modelling of deployment potential, considering substations and resources. Hybrid concentrated solar biomass (HCSB) plant deployment potential of 830 MWe. Potential to abate about 6 billion kg CO2-e /year in New South Wales (NSW) Straw residues are abundant and have the best overlay with solar resources. Highest quantities of cereal straw are located in the Riverina region of NSW. Abstract: This study aims to assess the deployment potential of hybrid concentrated solar biomass (HCSB) plants for dispatchable renewable electricity generation in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We present an approach for identifying the most suitable locations for siting new plants. HCSB plants generate steam using a biomass boiler and a concentrated solar power (CSP) system and utilise a shared steam turbine for power generation. The total power generation opportunity was estimated based on available resources. This was achieved by mapping solid biomass (bagasse, stubble and forestry residues) and solar resources (direct normal irradiation) in proximity to zone substations with new grid connection capacity. The total installed capacity of HCSB plants at suitable grid connection locations was calculated to be 874 MWe at a cost of about AU$ 6.3 billion. We also estimated the CO2-e emission abatement potential to be about 6 billion kg of CO2-e per year. The Riverina region was identified to be the most prospective region for HCSB plants in NSW owing to excellent biomass and solar resources and 25 suitable grid connection points. These findings underline NSW's excellent deployment potential for HCSB plants, a technology that can utilize the vast and currently under-exploited biomass residues and solar resources for dispatchable renewable electricity generation.