SYNERGIES BETWEEN GEOTHERMAL AND SOLAR PV GENERATION

Abstract

By virtue of its infrastructure, each developed geothermal field represents an option to install solar power. Indeed, solar farms are steadily appearing as co-generation sources in geothermal fields internationally.
As New Zealand progressively increases the share of interruptible, renewable generation, the consequential difficulties for grid stability and supply are impolitely “hatching out.” The question thus arises: are there configurations of baseload and a variable-load generation that can help manage these emerging issues?
This paper examines a general business case for co-locating solar PV generation with an existing baseload geothermal plant. The assessment considers economic synergies with the existing site (consents, land, infrastructure & capabilities), speed to market, direct customers, external (non-rival) benefits to the grid, as well as interconnection and regulatory constraints. The results suggest there will be net benefits to co-locating variables with baseload generation where conditions permit and as electrical consumption increases rapidly with decarbonisation. Furthermore, the concept is applicable to other baseload renewables such as hydro generation and other forms of variable renewable energy (VRE).