Mapping concentrated solar power site suitability in Algeria

The investment in solar thermal power technologies has become increasingly attractive, despite their still perceived high costs. Algeria presented an ambitious plan for increasing the participation of renewable energy sources (RES) system, with significant investments foreseen technologies. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to identify optimal sites implementation these plants, as well others where highly inadvisable from economic, social, or environmental points view. main goal study present and apply a methodology adequate locations installation plants Algeria. addressed particular case concentrated (CSP) proposed hybrid approach combining multi-criteria decision making Geographic Information System. allowed mapping visualizing unfeasible areas ranking feasible sites. results showed that more than 51% territory country CSP, mainly due criteria related topographic aspects, water availability, distance grid. demonstrated relying only on Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) values may result reductionist vision planning thus other can play fundamental role process. model also best regions CSP opens routes detailed studies exact site selection. • Optimal location are mapped. An decision-making GIS presented. Regions DNI not have required technical condition projects. Land availability grid important criteria. be extended