DESERT SOLAR PV POWER PLANTS

Transcription

1 DESERT SOLAR PV POWER PLANTS Theodore Tsacheff MBA, BSc Director Business Development, Austrian Enviro Technologies Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 13th November 2013

2 COMPANY SNAPSHOT Austrian Enviro Technologies was founded in 2006, headquarters n Vienna, Austria and offices across 3 continents. Since its inception, the Company s core competences are development, operation and management of solar PV power plants. So far, the Company has developed more than 135 MWp solar PV plants Spain: 36 MWp developed, 400 MWp in development, 16 MWp operational Italy: 80 MWp developed 33 MWp operational 12 MWp starting construction Ragusa 1, Sicily Italy (8.4 MWp) Romania: 43 MWp developed 16 MWp starting construction Chile Saudi Arabia AustrianSolar Chile SpA was established in 2013 as a subsidiary of Austrian Enviro Technologies with current project pipeline development of 335 MWp with 100 MWp starting construction in Q Since the beginning of 2013, the Company has been active in this market in collaboration with a local partner Resiné, Sicily Italy (9.5 MWp) Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 2

3 SAUDI ARABIA WHAT TO EXPECT? Challenging Desert Conditions Harsh climate with high temperatures all year round and no rainfall Rough terrain without or limited infrastructure Remote sites difficult to reach, construct on and operate in Fig.1 Atacama Desert Landscape, Chile Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 3

4 ENVISAGED DESERT CHALLENGES Major Technical Aspects Electricals: mainstream products not suited for desert PV power plants specifications Mechanical: standard mounting structure normally not fitfor-purpose due to difference in installation methods and wind loads Electronics: downside performance deviation compared to standard conditions due to temperatures, dust, humidity and altitude Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 4

5 ENVISAGED DESERT CHALLENGES (2) Main Logistical Issues Usually long distance from ports / terminals Longer delivery times for modules and Balance of System Poor infrastructure and suitability for transportation of heavy loads Fig.2 Access Road Atacama Desert, Chile Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 5

6 ENVISAGED DESERT CHALLENGES (3) Consider during Construction Difficult atmospheric conditions affect productivity Working and living conditions for labour force including HSE Improper grid connection planning and execution has negative impact on timely project commissioning Fig.3 Grid Connection Point, Atacama Desert Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 6

7 ENVISAGED DESERT CHALLENGES 4 Operations & Maintenance Problems Negative impact of dust and sand on PV power plants performance Relevant Operations & Maintenance resources planning and deployment Inefficient plant performance monitoring and adequate reaction time for trouble-shooting Fig.4 Modules Cleaning Robot Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 7

8 LESSONS LEARNT (1) Consider all technical aspects still at project development phase to address engineering, construction and grid connection risks as well as PPA starting date Plan ample time for logistics with consideration of climate, distance, access roads and off-loading equipment needed Allow for contingencies in the construction schedule in terms of deadlines, execution of grid connection, PV power plant commissioning and their relevant interdependencies Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 8

9 LESSONS LEARNT (2) Ensure mounting structure adequately designed, manufactured and installed to cope with in long-term with soil and climate conditions Identify and secure most appropriate dust and sand cleaning method and equipment for regular modules cleaning Money well-invested in Operations & Maintenance pays off in improved reliability aimed at higher PV power plant yield Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 9

10 IMPORTANT EXAMPLES: COST vs GHI Global horizontal sun irradiation (GHI): Germany : kwh per sq m Saudi Arabia : kwh per sq m Average estimated cost of installed solar PV: Germany : EUR EUR per MWp Saudi Arabia : USD USD per MWp Conclusion: 30 % higher cost per installed MWp but % to 220 % higher GHI! Is solar PV more expensive in Saudi Arabia? NO! Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 10

11 IMPORTANT EXAMPLES: O&M COST Average O&M cost ( comprehensive service package) : Europe : EUR. 15,000 - EUR. 25,000 / MWp Desert Climate: EUR. 19,500 - EUR. 32,500 / MWp Average estimated cost for PV modules cleaning: Atacama Desert, Chile : EUR. 18,000 per MWp / year KAUST, Saudi Arabia : USD. 26,500 per MWp / year Conclusion: Current O&M cost levels subject to further reduction through improvement of module coatings, improved module cleaning systems and more sophisticated power plant performance monitoring software Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 11

12 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! ANY QUESTIONS? Desert Solar Conference, Riyadh, 13 November 2013 AustrianSolar 12

13 CONTACT AustrianSolar Chile Magdalena 140, Of. 401 Las Condes, Santiago, Chile Tel: office.chile@austriansolar.com Austrian Enviro Technologies Stubenring 18/5a 1010 Vienna, Austria Tel: office.austria@austrian-enviro.com Theodore Tsacheff Director Business Development theodore.tsacheff@austrian-enviro.com Phone: AustrianSolar 9