Evaluating the potential of concentrating solar power generation in Northwestern India

On the basis of a detailed solar radiation and land resource assessment, the maximum theoretical potential of CSP in NW India is estimated over 2000 GW taking into accounts the viability of different CSP technologies and land suitability criteria. The technical potential is estimated over 1700 GW at an annual direct normal incidence (DNI) over 1800 kW h/m2 and finally, the economic potential is estimated over 700 GW at an annual DNI over 2000 kW h/m2 in NW India. It is expected that in near future locations with lower DNI values could also become financially feasible with the development of new technologies, advancement of materials, economy of scale, manufacturing capability along with the enhanced policy measures etc. With an annual DNI over 1600 kW h/m2 it is possible to exploit over 2000 GW CSP in the NW India.