Large scale PV projects in Chile (Experiences and barriers)

Transcription

1 Large scale PV projects in Chile (Experiences and barriers)

2 What is GIZ? Basic facts about the GIZ Federal Enterprise for Sustainable development, non-for-profit Headquartered in Germany More than 45 years of expertise in developing and emerging economies Operations in over 130 countries ~ 17,000 employees throughout the world, almost 11,000 of them national personnel Implement projects on behalf of clients (not a donor) GIZ in Chile Since 1990 Working in energy: since 2004 Lead executing agency: Chilean Ministry of Energy

3 4e Program: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Chile Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) Lead executing agency: Chilean Ministry of Energy Objective: GHG reduction through the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency Development strategy for grid-connected renewable energy Promotion of solar energy - with a focus in CSP / CST and large PV systems Solar energy for electricityand heat generation Energy Efficiency and Cogeneration in public hospitals Technical and economic potential of RE in Chile Integration of RE in electrical networks and the environment Impacts Standards and regulation Advice on long-term energy planning CDEC-SIC / SING Cooperation Technical and economic assessment of solar applications in Mining Training CSP / PV International dissemination Market Analysis Legislation and Regulatory framework Pilot projects Laboratories and training Techos solares públicos Program support Market Analysis Legislation and Regulatory framework Design, planning and installation of pilots in 3 public hospitals Local technicians and specialists training

4 Descriptive study of existing large photovoltaic plants in Chile The goal of the study: Gather information on technical, economic and operational aspects for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants installed in Chile. The focus was on the experiences in different stages (development, deployment and commissioning). Consultant: Energy Center, Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Chile Complementary sources: CDEA Antofagasta

5 Capacity [MW] PV plants in Chile - fastest growing technology sector The last two years.. Dec-2012 Dec-2013 Dec-2014 Some industry views regarding renewable, solar energy in this case "For use in mining, today the RE (PV) is still in diapers. "We have coal for 200 years" Besides, "It is essential and helps to diversify the matrix (electrical grid)" "....I Think it is essential to exploit the potential that gives us the environment;" Operation Construction

6 Analyzed plants Pampa Elvira Solar La Huayca Esperanza (RTS) San Andrés Pozo Almonte 2/3 Amanecer Methodology Identify plants in operation (connected to grid) and responsible people. A site visit was scheduled. Gather plants previous information and design questionnaire to be performed in site visits. Site visits. Site inspection and photographic evidence collection. Specific points to consider are: effect of environment on solar installations, effect of dust and mining operations, among others. Later, meetings with managers for interviews based on the questionnaire. Process and analysis of information gathered. Diego de Almagro

7 PV plants, some statistics Facts: Regarding solar plants analyzed, the power density is between 0.14 and 0.66 MW / ha. The projects without tracking were the densest. Investment in photovoltaic plants, in a range of 1.39 and 4.72 million USD per MW. Energy yield per installed capacity range is between 1.79 and 2.7 kwh / kw. Cleaning range is between 0 (washing effect by rain) and 1.2 times per month. Water consumption is about a couple of liters of water per m2 for each cleaning

8 PV plants development review In general, problems are not related to technology, but with environmental and regulatory aspects. The largest number of difficulties are concentrated in the planning, feasibility and construction phases. No problems reported in commissioning phase. Finally, during operation and maintenance, just two common problems were reported.

9 PV plants issues reported Grid issues Connection is a costly and time-consuming process. There is no penalty against missed deadlines. No connection security (No connection point reservation). Lack of public trunk lines, small capacity in secondary lines. Voltage variations on grid, sometimes outside the voltage thresholds (voltage) cause frequent disconnections of photovoltaic solar plants. This decreases the performance and capacity factor.

10 PV plants issues reported Human resources Lack of specialists to design solar parks. The few existing technicians are expensive compared to international prices and they prefer to go to mining sector, seeking better pay. Lack of specialized technical level (for installation, operation and maintenance)

11 PV plants issues reported Contamination The north of Chile has several contamination sources: (dust and corrosive environment). Desert sediments Dirt roads with high traffic Dust and acid air (Electro wining process) in mine sites Furthermore, the panels could be affected by high UV radiation

12 PV plants issues reported Contamination There is a kind of very fine powder called chusca" This powder in combination with camanchaca" (sea fog) forms grooves and hard layer of dust on the panel. This effect is more important in panel with low inclinations. In addition, dust to be very thin, it saturates the air filters of the conversion centers For this reason, is necessary to protect electronic equipment in sealed or pressurized enclosures.

13 PV plants issues reported Low industrial development Fuente: Lack of equipment supplies in the north of Chile. These equipment supplies must be imported from abroad or brought from Santiago. The industries in the region, which could make the structures, are 100% dedicated to serving the mining needs. Furthermore, the mining costs and times are very high compared with the time to develop and implement a photovoltaic plant.

14 PV plants issues reported Ground conditions Geotechnics is varied in the north, and the grounds are extensive, so geotechnical studies are not always representative for the entire installation. New anchor system could be designed, considering the seismic standards. Lack of centralized information Existence of numerous mining concessions without exploitation (speculation), difficult to find suitable land and optimal layout of transmission lines. Dealing with landowners could reach two months, in arbitration until 8 months. There is no centralized database with land easements

15 Next steps Some activities Issues related to: Grid issues Human Resources Environmental special conditions Ground conditions Working in conjunction with the CDEC for review of barriers related to the grid Support to create a training center of CSP/CST and PV in Antofagasta. Technologies adaptation to environmental conditions in northern Chile (dust, UV, etc.). Several studies. Storage for solar technologies. Several studies. Applications of PV with other renewable energy (hydraulic pump) and hybridization with conventional energy. Analysis of geotechnical conditions, anchoring systems and support structures, according to seismic code

16 Thanks for your attention Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency Program in Chile Contact: Rodrigo Vásquez / DKTI project Advisor Rodrigo.vasquez@giz.de Tel.:

17 Annexes

18 PV plants some issues