Can Hybrid Solar Projects Pave the Way for Concentrated Solar Power Development?

  • Focus Area Electricity Sector Transitions Electricity Sector Transitions
  • Type Commentary
  • Date 12 June 2023
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Abstract

Hybrid renewable energy systems combine two or more technologies that complement each other to generate clean and stable power output. These systems could be two renewable energy systems (e.g., solar and wind) or renewables with storage (e.g., with battery or thermal storage). Their advantage is that they offer flexibility, dispatchability, and baseload power. Hybrid systems, especially the combination of concentrated solar power and photovoltaic systems (CSP-PV), have been investigated for many years in attempts to address the challenges that the electricity system faces regarding the high penetration of renewables.

Authors

Ahmed Al-Balawi

Ahmed Al-Balawi

Research Lead Ahmed is a research lead in the Utilities and Renewables program at KAPSARC. He is an electrical engineer and holds… Ahmed is a research lead in the Utilities and Renewables program at KAPSARC. He is an electrical engineer and holds an M.Sc. degree in renewable energy systems from Loughborough University. Prior to joining KAPSARC he worked as an R&D engineer at the Saudi Electricity Company for over five years, heading the company’s research on renewables and energy storage, and working on a wide range of projects including solar power, EV charging, sorption cooling, and energy storage solutions. Ahmed’s current research focuses on power system modeling to help shape the future of the energy mix and the technologies that can contribute to achieving Saudi Arabia’s green targets.

Expertise

  • Renewable Energy
  • Power System Modeling
  • Energy Storage and Emerging Technologies

Publications See all Ahmed Al-Balawi’s publications

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