Location Study of Solar Thermal Power Plant in the State of Pernambuco Using Geoprocessing Technologies and Multiple-Criteria Analysis

Abstract

Solar Thermal Technology for the generation of electricity in large scale has been a reality in the world since the 1980s, when the first large-sized solar plants in the United States were introduced. Brazil presents great potential for the development of large-scale projects, although it is noted that the main barriers for the insertion of this technology in Brazilian market are the lack of incentives and goals and associated costs. In a way to contribute to the insertion of solar thermal technology in Brazil, this paper presents a macro-spatial approach, based on the use of Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis and Geoprocessing, for the location of solar thermal power plants. The applied methodology for Pernambuco, located in the Northeast Region of Brazil, considered the implantation of parabolic trough solar power plant of 80 MW, operating only in solar mode, without heat storage. Based on performed analysis, it was confirmed that Pernambuco presents great potential for the installation of solar power plants, especially in the backlands of Pernambuco. Performed validations in the model demonstrate that the methodology attended the objective once the consistence between the assigned weights to the thematic layers, individually, and the final Map of site suitability were evidenced.

Determinant factors in site selection for photovoltaic projects: A systematic review

“…For the construction of a photovoltaic solar power plant, it is necessary to transport large and fragile equipment, such as photovoltaic modules; thus, it is preferable to choose a location that is easily accessible. Therefore, the consideration of this factor is an important requirement at the time of choosing the place to implement the power plant and may reflect on the overall cost of it, if, for example, the expansion of the road network is required in the future . The distance between highways and the quality of the roads can provide a good idea in terms of investment and cost of the construction.…”

“…It is necessary to verify the maximum capacity of the power transmission networks and the scale of power plant . Transmission lines with load capacity are needed as close to a solar power plant as possible, because the cost of building new power plants lines is usually high, in addition to minimizing power loss in transmission . It is clear that having an adequate transmission grid near to the local is an advantage .…”

“…The solar radiation corresponds to the amount of solar energy that a surface of the soil receives during a certain period of time . Several authors quote the radiation as the most important parameter in the indication of potential areas for solar power plant installation . The solar global radiation determines the amount of photovoltaic energy that can be achieved depending on the solar climatic areas where the power plant is placed .…”

“…The slope of the terrain influences the incoming radiation; that is, the flatter the slope, the greater the amount of solar radiation received, and the greater the site's suitability for the installation of the photovoltaic system. The area slope where the construction of the plant will occur determines the acceptability of the place, according to its effect on the cost related to the preparation and planning of terrain, for this area must be as flat as possible, but with enough slope to allow natural drainage of the soil . Flat areas or gentle steep slopes will help to avoid the high cost of construction required by high slope areas.…”

“…The idea that the production and consumption of energy are within the concept of sustainable development has become more relevant in the last years . The concerns about climate change, the use of fossil fuels, and the need to provide a source of energy with resources that cause less impact to the environment are some of the reasons for this idealization . Furthermore, the increased use of renewable resources contributes to the economic growth and the mitigation of countries, maintaining economic development without neglecting environmental matters, a strategy used by the countries in this quest to improve their social development and leverage its economic growth …”