UAE - Performance Review of the 935 MW PV Solar Power Plant

This paper presents a performance review study of the solar photovoltaic power plant (NOOR PV Solar PP) that was recently integrated into the Abu Dhabi transmission grid early 2019 which provides a significant installed capacity of 935 MW contributing about 7% of the actual system generation. The paper provides an in-depth analysis based on a review of one year’s worth of operating data. The aim is to present and analyze statistical trends of the PV output power production, summarize the performance of the 935 MW grid-connected PV power plant, and provide an understanding of the impact of solar PV penetration on the reliability and security of the electricity transmission system in Abu Dhabi. The challenges faced by the transmission network due to this significant penetration of PV solar energy have been addressed. Planned remedial actions to enhance the operation and performance of the existing solar PV plant were also analyzed so that confidence in the future of solar PV reliance can be built.