Geospatial-assisted multi-criterion analysis of solar and wind power geographical-technical-economic potential assessment

Mohamed R. Elkadeem*, Ali Younes, Domenico Mazzeo, Jakub Jurasz, Pietro Elia Campana, Swellam W. Sharshir, Mohamed A. Alaam

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

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 km2) 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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number119532
JournalApplied Energy
Volume322
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Sep 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Egypt Vision 2030
  • GIS-MCDM
  • Geographical-technical–economic potential analysis
  • Onshore wind turbine
  • Solar photovoltaic
  • Sustainable energy development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • General Energy
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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