Linear Fresnel Reflector Power Plants in Algeria: Energy, Economic, and Environmental Analysis

Abstract

The Algerian government seeks to provide all the resources available to it to exploit every available energy source in all Algerian provinces. Accordingly, this paper aims to present an energy, economic, and environmental study of linear Fresnel reflector solar power plants using the system advisor model in four strategic Algerian regions (Ain Aménas, Gassi-Touil, Hassi R’mel, and El-Oued). The studied solar power plants can produce between 318.75 GWe and 379.29 GWe annually at a levelized cost of electricity ranging between 0.093 $/kWh and 0.11 $/kWh. In addition, the annual avoided CO2 emissions are between 143.41 kt and 170.87 kt, equivalent to 0.473 kg CO2/1 kWh of electricity, meaning that environmental tax savings will range between 2.08 and 2.48 million dollars annually. The results obtained are very encouraging for decision-makers and investors, as the net capital investment (between 642.67 and 642.82 million dollars) can be recovered in less than 10.2 years, with the power plant capable of operating for 25 consecutive years.