CSP potential estimation in states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India

The present study is an attempt towards potential estimation along with technical and economic assessment of concentrating solar power technology in north-western parts (i.e. Rajasthan and Gujarat states) of India. The approach involved identifying and optimizing the land suitable for CSP projects, detailed DNI assessment by optimizing the database from multiple sources comprising satellite and interpolated/derived databases, CSP technology evaluation and Energy Yield Assessment followed by the techno-economic analysis. The North-West part of India receives the best radiation in the country, moreover availability of wastelands and conducive environment being developed through regulatory and technical support by the Governments is accelerating the growth. Detail estimates of suitable land for CSP, estimation of DNI across the selected locations for the N-W parts of India (i.e. all districts of the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat) and the energy yield estimate of all the four different CSP technology, using computer simulation software System Advisor Model (SAM) developed by national Renewable Energy laboratory (NREL), USA, has been done.