Techno-Economic Analysis of Concentrated Solar Power with Molten Salt Storage for Gwadar
Abstract
This study examines the feasibility of implementing a 50 MW parabolic trough Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) system with molten salt storage in Gwadar, an area facing significant energy insecurity due to its isolation from the national grid and dispersed energy demand. Using primarily quantitative and modeling-based methods, the research investigates the technical and financial aspects of CSP technology. The System Advisor Model (SAM) is utilized to simulate the CSP plant's performance, evaluating both technical and financial aspects. The methodology involves a thorough investigation into the viability of CSP plants, focusing on solar resource availability, land suitability, and molten salt availability. The findings suggest the technical feasibility of a CSP system in Gwadar, with optimal solar conditions observed in summer and ample land available in the industrial zone, with potential molten salt sourcing from Balochistan resources and Gwadar's seawater. Simulation results indicate the CSP system's potential to provide consistent and sustainable power generation, even under limited sunlight conditions, achieving a capacity factor of 23.3%, reflecting efficient energy production. Additionally, analysis of thermal energy storage dynamics highlights effective energy production and storage mechanisms, emphasizing the system's potential for renewable energy advancement. However, despite promising outcomes, the estimated Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $0.2349/kWh presents competitiveness challenges compared to other CSP technologies, necessitating further optimization and cost reduction efforts to enhance economic viability. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of exploring options for cost reduction to improve the economic feasibility of deploying CSP technology in Gwadar, offering insights for sustainable energy solutions to address the region's energy challenges.
Keywords: Concentrated Solar Power, Parabolic Trough, National Solar Radiation Database, Solar Irradiance, Molten Salt Storage, Levelized Cost Of Energy, System Advisor Model
