Power Generation in the desert
In which desert regions can energy be generated using sun and wind, with which technology and at what cost? These are the key questions in the field of power generation. Within its generation working group, Dii is evaluating these questions together with renowned experts from industry and science. The results contribute to the Rollout plan and the planning of the reference projects.
The benefits of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology are found in its dispatchability. CSP plants can basically be operated in a similar way to gas power stations. Using CSP technology, power can be generated from solar energy for up to 24 hours a day by means of thermal storage. Photovoltaic (PV) cells only generate power during daylight hours, although the production profile in the desert regions of the MENA territory remains relatively stable. This technology, which is easy to install and operate, has due to price developments become economically attractive in recent years. The utilisation of North Africa's wind energy potential also plays an important role in the Desertec vision. Wind energy can often be produced locally at market prices, and the intensity of the winds in certain regions of North Africa is significant. Dii takes a look at the electricity system and how the different technologies work together. Therefore storage (e.g.: batteries, CAES (compressed air energy storage) and PHS (pumped hydro storage) is also subject to evaluation.
The main challenge in this area is the need for additional efforts in order to develop storage technologies and improve concentrated solar technologies. More large-scale projects also need to be realized to decrease the costs of the described generation technologies.
