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CPOTE2020 logo
CPOTE2020
6th International Conference on
Contemporary Problems of Thermal Engineering
Online | 21-24 September 2020

Abstract CPOTE2020-1075-A

Book of abstracts draft
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Potential business cases for CSP in the MENA region: Egypt as a case study

Sarah HAMDY, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
Louay ELMORSY, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
Tatiana MOROSUK, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
George TSATSARONIS, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany

Missing financial and regulatory frameworks lead to low development and stagnating costs of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. Nevertheless, the technology is promised a learning rate of 10-20 %. In particular, in locations with high direct normal radiation such as the MENA region (Middle East and Northern Africa), CSP could become competitive and may boost the local economy. This study aims to identify potential business cases to evaluate the likelihood of an increase of investments in the technology in the region, with Egypt as a case study. A thorough market assessment on the market structure, regulatory framework, demand, and potential revenues was conducted for the power and process heating sector. Under consideration of the local context and competing technologies, the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were identified and discussed for both business cases: (1) concentrated solar power (CSP), and (2) concentrated solar heating (CSH). Egypt was shown to not only offer large solar potential and availability of land, low-cost labor, raw materials, and infrastructure for local manufacturing, but also a regulatory framework and governmental renewable energy (RE) strategies in place, which would facilitate the deployment of CS technology. Moreover, the market is open to private investment and selected international funds are directed towards CSP development in the region. The high initial capital cost of the technology, the subsidized fuel and electricity prices for industry, the lack of long-term financial incentives as well as of awareness of potential long-term benefits of CSP technology for the economy were identified as the most significant threats. High demand for process-heating and a large potential for CSH application were identified. Yet, the market is decentralized and processes are very diverse, moreover retrofitting may pose risks alongside the high upfront capital investment and additional land costs, which makes CSH applications less attractive for Egypt's industrial sector. Hence, for the deployment of CS technology, the implementation of financial incentives and a regulatory framework directed towards the technology, in particular, would be necessary.

Keywords: Energy markets, SWOT analysis, Concentrated solar power (CSP), Concentrated solar heat (CSH), Process heat
Acknowledgment: Sarah Hamdy acknowledges the financial support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF—Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung) under the Transnational Education project (ID 57128418) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).