Identifying Promising Locations for Establishing Hydropower Energy Storage Stations )PHES( Using the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Libya

Suhaylah Mohammed; Yasser Yasser; Hamed Algassie; Asma Asma; Hala El-Khozondar; Monaem Elmnifi; Mohamed Khaleel; Sassi Sassi Rekik; Mansour Salem

doi:10.51646/jsesd.v14i1.426

Authors

Suhaylah Mohammed wadi Alshatti university
Yasser Yasser Mechanical and Renewable Energy Eng. Dept., Eng. Faculty, Wadi Alshatti Uni., Brack, Libya. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9675-8304
Hamed Algassie Libyan Audit Bureau, Brack-Libya.
Asma Asma Dept. of GIS and Cartography, Faculty of Geographical and Environmental Sciences, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
Hala El-Khozondar Electrical Eng. and Smart Systems Dept., Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine.
Monaem Elmnifi Mechanical Eng. Technology Dept., Belgorod State Technological University, Belgorod, Russia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4074-1877
Mohamed Khaleel Electrical and Electronics Eng. Dept., Faculty of Engineering, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Türkiye. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3468-3220
Sassi Sassi Rekik Laboratory of Thermal and Energy Systems Studies, National Eng. School of Monastir, University Monastir, Tunisia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5224-4152
Mansour Salem Environment and Natural resources Faculty, Wadi Alshatti Uni., Brack, Libya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51646/jsesd.v14i1.426

Keywords:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Renewable Energy, Pumped Hydropower Energy Storage (PHES), Libya.

Abstract

This research aims to identify promising locations for establishing pumped hydropower energy storage (PHES) stations in Libya using geographic information systems (GIS). The study focuses on integrating geographic and climatic data and applying specific criteria to assess the spatial suitability of these stations. The objective is to harness the natural potential of the region to achieve Libya's strategic goals of mitigating network deficits and increasing the contribution of renewable and clean energy to over 50% of the energy mix by 2050. This research supports the transition toward renewable and environmentally friendly energy, aligning with national and international commitments including the pairs climate agreement, by reducing the carbon footprint and ensuring energy sustainability. The study identified several promising locations in Libya for establishing PHES stations, which could reduce the electricity deficit by storing surplus energy for retrieval on demand, ensuring grid stability. Additionally, these stations can serve as energy storage sources for renewable and hybrid energy systems. The study revealed that approximately 24.73% of Libya's total area could be potential sites for PHES development. To determine the most suitable sites. The promising locations were categorized into three levels based on multiple layers integrated into a GIS- based decision- making matrix. High- suitability areas accounted for about 4.90% medium-suitability areas for approximately 6.15%, and low suitability areas for around 13.68% of Libya's total land area. The elevations of the promising locations ranged between 188m and 2200 m above ground level the available energy storage capacity for PHES was calculated, ranging from 384-4,496 Wh/m³ of upper reservoir volume.

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