Session: 08-09-01: Multi-Energy Systems

Paper Number: 149325

149325 - Geospatial Multi-Criteria Approach for Optimal Photovoltaic Systems Siting and Techno-Economic Assessment 

1.0       Introduction

Renewable resources are valuable energy transition strategies towards the achievement of climate goals and targets. They offer very high mitigation pathways towards global energy systems decarbonization. This is also because the energy sector, precisely the electricity and heating sectors contribute as high as about two-thirds of global carbon emissions [1]. Solar energy just like other renewable resources like wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, etc. has gained substantial affirmation as a viable source and available in almost all countries though with varied generation capacities as well as with geospatial implication[2]. Furthermore, solar technologies like the solar photovoltaic systems (PV) have also gained global attention as a mature and a competitive alternative energy source in the global energy market. Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for utility scale solar PV fell 82% between the years 2010 and 2019 [3].

The aim of this research was therefore to increase the visibility of solar energy as very a good alternative sustainable energy source and thus explored the potential to harness solar PV systems to help decarbonize the grid and diversify the energy generation mix in a country using Ghana as a case study.  

2.0       Methodology

This study explored the potential to quantity the technical energy output generated by the solar PV system as well as the LCOE of the solar PV generating power plant. In addition, the study explored the impacts of the socio-politico and environmental factors of the site and how these could impact the overall optimal energy generation capacity of the PV system. A novel approach that combined the use of geospatial techniques and multi-criteria decision methods were explored to examine the various dynamics involved in the development of a grid connected RE system. This case study framework for Ghana is relevant and can be replicated or modified to suit the dynamics of other countries like the United States given that it is has also been researched [4] that the challenge regarding deep decarbonization in the United States has more to do with identifying suitable sites for the power plants than the technology itself. The present will help explore these dynamics and opportunities that exist. The study thus presents an integrated framework to help solve the challenges of the technology site selection challenges.

3.0       Results and conclusions

Despite the variations in the potential of the solar resource itself across the various locations in Ghana, assessment of the PV systems for a grid-connected system highlighted an observation. This is because, with the initial expectations of seeing more grid-connected systems in high potential areas, results of the analysis showed otherwise. This is primarily because many of these high potential areas do not meet the present grid-connected systems requirements as stated in the current energy policy of Ghana. The LCOE for the PV systems saw the same trend due to the direct correlation between the generation capacity and the unit cost of the energy generated by the PV system. Results of the research were presented using high-resolution maps, charts and tables.

Thus, the research made recommendations to the regulators and policymakers in to review policy or mark these areas for priority projects help the country to achieve its decarbonization goals and target by 2030 and net-zero carbon emission commitments by 2050.

 

References

[1]       IEA, ‘Climate change: Energy sector is central to efforts to combat climate change’, 2023.

[2]       A. A. Mary, ‘Optimal techno-economic potential and site evaluation for solar PV and CSP systems in Ghana. A geospatial AHP multi-criteria approach’, Renewable Energy Focus , vol. 41, pp. 216–229, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.ref.2022.03.007.

[3]       IRENA, ‘Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2019’, 2019.

[4]       B. K. Sovacool, ‘The cultural barriers to renewable energy and energy efficiency in the United States’, Technol Soc, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 365–373, Nov. 2009, doi: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2009.10.009.

 

Presenting Author: Mary Asare-Addo University of Virginia

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Mary Asare-Addo is a sustainable energy specialist and a postdoctoral research associate with the University of Virginia in the United States. Dr. Asare-Addo' research interests include the application of geospatial science for sustainable energy systems modeling, energy transition pathways modeling, and energy economics, including interest in exploring the role of energy policy in accelerating deep decarbonization of the power grid towards the global goal to achieve net-zero carbon emission economies.

Authors:

Mary Asare-Addo University of Virginia