Novel approaches to optimize the layouts of solar photovoltaic and wind power systems to improve their performance considering limited land availability and site-specific features

Abstract

Research on strategic land-use planning is crucial for successful implementation of renewable energy projects and a shift towards sustainable energy sources. The main objective of this work is to provide novel approaches to increase the energy output of solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power systems by optimizing land utilization, while considering relevant parameters. The optimization of both technologies has been accomplished by simulations and statistical correlations. The relationships between land-use and loss of system’s configuration, energy output, installed capacity, and other factors result in an optimum architecture that considers land-use. The second objective is to explore the potential of system capacities and energy in the specific regions outlined in the 2040 Kuwait Master Plan through the implementation of these approaches. Upon implementing the approaches, the findings indicated that by utilizing the entire regions for RES, the country is limited to around 41% of its annual energy demand from RES by the year 2060. Solar PV systems exhibit maximum energy density in terms of installed capacity but possess the lowest capacity credit and energy yield compared to wind energy. It’s found that no individual technology can achieve the most favorable outcomes in terms of energy generation, capacity credit, residual load, and over-production.