Comparative techno-economic evaluation of concentrated solar power and photovoltaic systems in Syria

Abstract

Syria’s prolonged energy crisis, compounded by infrastructure destruction and fuel shortages, underscores the urgent need for sustainable and reliable energy solutions. Given the country’s exceptional solar potential exceeding 300 sunny days annually solar energy represents a key pathway for post-conflict energy recovery and long-term resilience. This study presents a national-scale comparative techno-economic evaluation of concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) systems across 14 Syrian governorates using the GREENIUS v4.5.0 simulation platform. A benchmark 50 MW parabolic trough CSP plant, modeled after the Andasol-1 configuration, along with an equivalent 50 MW PV system, was simulated using high-resolution meteorological data from Meteonorm 7.3. The analysis investigates the influence of thermal energy storage (TES) on the CSP plant’s performance, dispatchability, and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) under varying climatic conditions. The results indicate that Rif Dimashq, Homs, and As-Suwayda exhibit the most favorable conditions for CSP deployment, characterized by the lowest LCOE values and the highest net annual electricity generation. Incorporating a 7-h TES system enhanced energy dispatchability and reduced the LCOE by up to 20% in regions with high direct normal irradiance (DNI). In contrast, PV systems showed stable performance across all governorates, demonstrating superior economic viability in coastal areas where diffuse irradiance predominates. The findings provide a comprehensive and validated framework for solar energy planning in Syria, offering practical guidance for policymakers, investors, and researchers to accelerate the nation’s transition toward a sustainable and resilient energy future.