Techno-economic feasibility analysis of a 50 MW Molten Salt Solar Tower power plant in Orhomuru-Orogun, Nigeria

Abstract

Solar energy is a scientifically validated alternative to fossil fuels, with molten salt tower solar power being particularly suitable for energy storage due to its physical and thermal properties. Despite favorable climatic conditions, Nigeria and Sub-Saharan African countries have not widely adopted this technology, hence, the need for alternative energy solutions amid rising fossil fuel consumption and population growth. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of a 50 MW molten salt tower solar thermal power plant in Orhomuru-Orogun, Delta State, Nigeria. The plant was designed based on a DNI of 1800 W/m² and incorporates climatic data from the NSRDB for accurate simulation inputs. Results showed that the Molten Salt Solar Tower power plant in Orhumuro, Orogun is feasible. The plant’s first-year energy production: 562,887,360 ₵/kWh, 62.1% capacity factor, operating 12 hours daily. High electricity generation occurs in April, May, and June, exceeding 100 kW. Financial metrics include levelized PPA prices (28.90 ₵/kWh normal, 26.26 ₵/kWh real), levelized COE (28.53 ₵/kWh normal, 25.93 ₵/kWh real), investor IRR (11.00% in flip year and project end), NPV over project life ($8,792,008), and developer NPV ($10,470,116). The highest zenith angles are in December, November, and October, while the lowest are in June and July.