Intermittent generation from wind or photovoltaics (PV) imposes a cost on the power systems in which they are deployed. These costs vary regionally due to different fuel costs and ramping flexibility of existing grid capacities. With 2015 as a reference year, we examine the costs of PV intermittency and costs of integration to power utilities in Saudi Arabia, using a least-cost approach for the power utilities. The operational facets of PV integration to grid operators will be more pronounced with higher PV penetration, so, to focus on system operation, we exclude the capital costs. The excess of the price paid to new PV generators over the current average consumer tariff would also have to be covered by the utility, and will depend on the details of the power purchase contracts.
Research Fellow Amro is a research Fellow with 20 years of experience in energy and technology garnered on three continents. His research… Amro is a research Fellow with 20 years of experience in energy and technology garnered on three continents. His research interests lie in renewable energy policy, power systems modeling, and hybrid microgrid design and optimization. He has led and executed several national modeling initiatives both at the distributed and utility scales. Some aspects of his research have been adopted by BP in creating their seminal annual statistical review. Amro is the author of 40+ papers and the inventor of several patents. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and an MBA in finance.
Expertise
- Renewable Energy Policy
- Power Sector Modeling
- Hybrid Microgrid Design and Optimization
- Storage and Solar PV Industry
Publications See all Amro Elshurafa’s publications
Cost, Footprint, and Reliability Implications of Deploying Hydrogen in Off-grid Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: A GIS-assisted Study for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Intermittent generation from wind or photovoltaics (PV) imposes a cost on the power systems in…
11th September 2022Cost, Emission, and Macroeconomic Implications of Diesel Displacement in the Saudi Agricultural Sector: Options and Policy Insights
Intermittent generation from wind or photovoltaics (PV) imposes a cost on the power systems in…
11th September 2022
