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Commercial-scale hybrid solar photovoltaic - diesel systems in select Arab countries with weak grids: An integrated appraisal

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  • Harajli, H.
  • Kabakian, V.
  • El-Baba, J.
  • Diab, A.
  • Nassab, C.

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) diesel hybrid systems are effective solutions for sustainable energy transition in countries where utility grids are intermittent. An ‘integrated appraisal’ of 'hybrid solar (PV) - diesel' systems are carried out to assess their overall energetic, environmental, financial and economic performances. The study carries out the analysis of hybridized solar photovoltaic energy using first-hand data and information collected from the Palestinian, Lebanese and Iraqi commercial and/or industrial sectors, adopting several scenarios of tariff and diesel fuel prices, capital costs assumptions, solar PV curtailment, and values for environmental damage adopted from life-cycle impact assessment methods that allow for monetization and are globally valid. Results show that hybrid PV-diesel systems have largely beneficial energy, environmental and economic performances in all three countries, whereas their financial performance are also positive for Palestine and Lebanon, however less promising in Iraq, mainly due Iraq's heavily subsidized electricity tariff. The study concludes with policy recommendations focused on promoting solar PV in the commercial and/or industrial sectors, namely: the gradual phasing-out of fossil fuel subsidies, the effective execution of net-metering, the provision of subsidized sustainable energy loans, and carefully designed energy management systems.

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  • Harajli, H. & Kabakian, V. & El-Baba, J. & Diab, A. & Nassab, C., 2020. "Commercial-scale hybrid solar photovoltaic - diesel systems in select Arab countries with weak grids: An integrated appraisal," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:137:y:2020:i:c:s0301421519307761
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111190
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    Cited by:

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    2. Vahakn Kabakian & Marcelle McManus, 2024. "From private to social cost-benefit analysis: life cycle environmental impact cost internalization in cement production fuel switching," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(10), pages 25527-25548, October.
    3. Marta Bottero & Federico Dell’Anna & Vito Morgese, 2021. "Evaluating the Transition Towards Post-Carbon Cities: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-28, January.
    4. Ahmad, Ali, 2021. "Distributed energy cost recovery for a fragile utility: The case of Électricité du Liban," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    5. Alix Chaplain & Éric Verdeil, 2022. "Governing Hybridized Electricity Systems: The Case of Decentralized Electricity in Lebanon," SciencePo Working papers Main hal-03814475, HAL.
    6. Dagher, Leila & Fattouh, Bassam & Jamali, Ibrahim, 2019. "Oil price dynamics and energy transitions in the Middle East and North Africa: Economic implications and structural reforms," MPRA Paper 116085, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Saranchimeg, Sainbold & Nair, Nirmal K.C., 2021. "A novel framework for integration analysis of large-scale photovoltaic plants into weak grids," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(PA).
    8. Myriam Mansour & Hassan Harajli & Henri El Zakhem & Rima Manneh, 2024. "Cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of a photovoltaic–diesel hybrid system: the case of an industrial facility," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(7), pages 17353-17381, July.

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