The potential and deployment viability of concentrated solar power (CSP) in Iran

Abstract

Iran's experience for deployment of concentrated solar power (CSP) goes back to Shiraz and Yazd power plants which became operational in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Despite the successful operation of these plants, design or construction of new CSP plants have not been announced since then. In this regard, a lack of thorough feasibility studies is evident. This study offers a general potential assessment and feasibility analyses of deployment and promotion of CSP in Iran. To identify suitable regions, the status of direct normal irradiation (DNI) and other significant factors are evaluated. The study also discusses the possibility of hybridizing CSP plants with other energy sources. Furthermore, the drivers, barriers, and challenges to promote CSPs in Iran are explored and discussed. Keywords: Concentrated solar power (CSP), Direct normal irradiation (DNI), Potential, Hybridization, Iran