Adding Photovoltaics to the Saudi Power System: What are the Costs of Intermittency?

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Abstract

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.

Authors

Amro Elshurafa

Amro Elshurafa

Fellow Amro is an expert with over 20 years of experience in energy and technology garnered on three continents. His research… Amro is an expert with over 20 years of experience in energy and technology garnered on three continents. His research interests lie in renewable energy policy, power systems modeling, net-zero power, 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 50+ 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 Modeling
  • Net-Zero Power Sector
  • Hybrid Microgrid Design and Optimization

Publications See all Amro Elshurafa’s publications

Walid Matar

Walid Matar

Research Fellow Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model… Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model (KEM): electric power generation, oil refining, petrochemicals and fertilizers, cement production, and iron and steel. He is also working on a bottom-up residential electricity use framework that merges microeconomics with the physical laws governing electricity use.

Expertise

  • Energy Systems Modeling
  • Optimization
  • Electricity Prices
  • Energy Efficiency and the Interdisciplinary Connection Between Energy Economics and Engineering

Publications See all Walid Matar’s publications

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