Techno-economic feasibility analysis of a large-scale parabolic trough thermal power plant in Effurun-Warri, Nigeria

Abstract In the modern world, solar energy is one of the most mature renewable energy resources for electricity generation. Because of the growing interest in green energy and CO2 reduction, concentrated power technologies have gained prominence all over the world. Several parabolic trough power plants are currently operational in various parts of the world. However, despite the region's favorable weather conditions, Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa have yet to adopt this technology. To galvanize the integration of solar energy into the energy infrastructure in Nigeria, technical and economic feasibility studies are required. This paper presents a techno-economic viability assessment of a 25 MW Parabolic Trough solar thermal power plant for electricity generation in Effurun-Warri, Nigeria. The System Advisor Model (SAM) software was used for the analysis, based on the validated technical and financial models inbuilt into the software. Results showed that the plant is technically feasible in Effurun-Warri with a capacity factor of over 35%, which compares favourably with other similar plants across the globe. However, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 11.87 cents/kWh obtained is significantly higher than the subsidized cost of electricity in the country, by about 99%, leading to a negative net present value of the project. To improve cost, optimized design parameters of the plant should be adopted for performance simulation in the SAM software.