Svante Bundgaard, CEO of Aalborg CSP

His speech will introduce different regional and industry factors determining concentrated solar power (CSP) competitiveness in the MENA region.

According to an optimistic study carried out by solar and environmental industry groups, CSP could satisfy up to 7% of the world’s energy needs by 2030, and 25% by 2050 . As the technology is best utilized in countries with great land availability and outstanding solar radiation, the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region is an ideal market to enhance CSP development and to contribute to the 2050 vision to a great extent. Different plant optimization practices are required in MENA to achieve levelized cost of energy (LCOE) reduction – a key measure determining competitiveness and thereby the future of CSP at a global level. However, these practices are not without challenges.

Harsh weather conditions in the MENA region’s desert landscape challenge cost-efficient technology deployment. Extensive dust, sand and heat require larger operation and maintenance work leading to higher costs (OPEX). “Selecting technologies with higher availability, reduced downtime requirements and easy-to-use operational philosophies is one way to counter with O&M expenses associated with geographical characteristics”, says Svante Bundgaard, CEO of Aalborg CSP.

At the same time, OPEX expenses are not single-handedly responsible for the overall plant performance. A sensitivity analysis carried out by CSP Today showcases that performance increase and also CAPEX reduction play an even more significant role in improving LCOE of CSP plants. According to the calculation, +5% performance contributes to -4.47% LCOE, whereas -5% CAPEX results in -4.29% LCOE.

“Both performance increase and CAPEX reduction are dependent on the CSP market dynamics in general. Regardless of the region, it is frequently seen that technical specifications are often standardized data sheets that have been repeatedly applied in bidding processes for many years. This has the tendency to block value creation in new project development.

With design parameters adequate to traditional power boiler principles, we are able to reduce CAPEX of steam generation systems by up to 35%. This, together with operational benefits of our SGS3 steam generation system that also lower OPEX, significantly improves levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of the plant", added the CEO.

Hear the speech at MENASOL 2015
Svante Bundgaard, CEO of Aalborg CSP will be one of the key speakers at the award winning 7th Middle East & North Africa Solar Conference and Expo (MENASOL 2015) held in Dubai, on 13-14 May, 2015. His speech titled “Where regional and industry challenges blend” will be presented on the second day of the conference in the “From the solar field to the power block” panel session between 14:30-15:55.

As a company that is dedicated to reduce LCOE of CSP plants, Aalborg CSP will at the exhibition demonstrate the simplicity of optimized technology development for steam generation systems, solar tower receivers and thermal energy storage (TES) technologies. All visitors are invited to stop by booth no. 2 to meet senior representatives from Aalborg CSP.

Press contact:

Jelica Matoricz
International Marketing Manager
Phone: +45 88 16 88 47
E-mail: jem@aalborgcsp.com

About Aalborg CSP A/S

Aalborg CSP A/S is a world leader in concentrated solar power (CSP) systems and technologies. Our globally recognised solutions are based on 25 years of experience with traditional power boilers uniquely adapted to the CSP industry. We design and deliver steam generation systems, molten salt and direct steam tower receivers, industrial solar boilers and integrated energy systems that combine heat and electricity production as well as water desalination. We have contributed to more than 330MWe CSP plants worldwide. The Aalborg CSP engineering design is centred on a value-adding concept to deliver technologies that excel in performance, increase plant revenue and contribute to a greener future.

Headquartered in Aalborg (Denmark) and with sales & service offices in Spain, US, Kenya, Uganda and Indonesia, Aalborg CSP has realised cost effective thermal energy solutions to a variety of industries worldwide.

For more information visit www.AalborgCSP.com or follow us on Linkedin.