Design and optimization of CSP power plants for Pakistan: a comparative study

Abstract

Despite having very high solar irradiance, Pakistan still does not have any installed concentrated solar power (CSP) plant. Several studies have shown that multiple locations within the country are suitable for CSP plants, but there is limited availability of comprehensive comparative studies. Therefore, this article presents a comparative analysis of different CSP technologies in Pakistan, focusing on their potential to address the country’s energy crisis. The study evaluates the pros and cons of different CSP technologies at various locations through site assessment, modelling, optimization and economic analysis using the System Advisor Model. Quetta and Nawabshah were selected as the locations for modelling multiple scenarios of 100-MW plants, using central receiver systems, parabolic trough collectors and linear Fresnel reflectors. The plants were integrated with thermal energy storage and the storage capacity was optimized using parametric analysis. The results showed that a central receiver system for the location of Quetta was the most favourable option, with an annual energy yield of 622 GWh at 7.44 cents/kWh, followed by a central receiver system for Nawabshah (608 GWh, 9.03 cents/kWh). This study is the first to show that switching between line-concentrated and point-concentrated CSP technologies can open new opportunities for sites in Pakistan with relatively high solar resources, resulting in a 21.3% reduction in the levelized cost.