Geospatial-assisted multi-criterion analysis of solar and wind power geographical-technical-economic potential assessment. (15th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elkadeem, Mohamed R.; Younes, Ali; Mazzeo, Domenico; Jurasz, Jakub; Elia Campana, Pietro; Sharshir, Swellam W.; Alaam, Mohamed A.
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 322(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09-15
• Subjects: Solar photovoltaic -- Onshore wind turbine -- Geographical-technical–economic potential analysis -- GIS-MCDM -- Sustainable energy development -- Egypt Vision 2030; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119532
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: Proposes a high resolution (1 km2) decision making model based on 16 parameters. Over half of Egypt's territory is suitable for PV and WT power plants, respectively. Using top excellent locations, PV and WT could cover 32% and 50% of Egypt demand by 2030. The LCOE of energy from PV and WT comes at roughly 47.1 $/MWh and 28.6 $/MWh. Abstract: Amid the increasing electricity demand, energy crisis and pollution, the transition to renewable energy (RE) is becoming a preoccupation and major global challenge due to the multidimensional and intricate problem of RE planning. In Egypt, about 90% of gross power generation comes from carbon-intensive power plants (natural gas and coal). Here, we propose a novel geospatial-decision-making model aimed at geographical-technical–economic potential mapping and assessment of solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind turbine (WT) power plants at a high level of resolution (1 km 2 ) in Egypt. We identify the locations suitable for PV and WT development considering sixteen restrictive and contradictory evaluation criteria. These locations have been further analyzed to estimate how much energy generation is available and at what energy cost. The analysis identifies Middle-Upper Egypt and Suez Canal as hosting the majority of highly suitable locations for PV and WT power plants, respectively. Our finding reveals that the proper planning on RE projects at the proposed optimum locations could support the country's energy mix with a sizable 32% share of the projected country's electricity consumption from PV and 50% share from WT, by 2030. Furthermore, we show that the investment opportunities of PV and WT generation are potentially attractive with affordable competitive prices estimated at 57.84 $/MWh and 32.36 $/MWh, respectively, against conventional generation for today and the future. We anticipate that our results will provide valuable support in realizing Egypt's vision for sustainable electricity generation and in keeping abreast of the global transformation in power systems being witnessed. Ultimately, the method's relevance extends beyond the geographical boundaries of the present territory; it features a strategic, clear and reproducible approach that may be applied to a larger area or continent, provided the necessary input data and criteria are introduced.