Suitable Sites for CSP Power Plants Installation in Algeria

The objective of this study is to identify sites that are potentially viable for the contracted solar power installing in Algeria using multi criteria decision-making approach (MCDA) and geographical mapping models (Geographical Information System GIS). A variety of renewable energy applications has been undertaken using these technics. Coupling MCDA and GIS will provide a narrowing down for the optimal site selection for the contracted solar power installing. This endeavor will be beneficial to explore the possibility of commissioning such energy systems. Algeria is endowed with various types of renewable energies. Selecting a site for optimal production and generation of photovoltaic electricity without harming environmental, social, political and economic factors that may ensue conflicting objectives is based on a typical and complex process requiring careful studying. Summing up, the aim of this study is to design set of criteria to evaluate the appropriate sites of CSP for Algeria, obtain the first model of suitable area to install CSP and selecting the criteria of unsuitable area for installing CSP. The results highlighted the importance of electricity grid, direct normal irradiation and water resource. In addition, the first model showed that southern region are the most suitable regions for investors in the field of solar energy. Tamanrasset was found appropriate area to install solar power plants.