Authors
Susana Bayo-Besteiro, L De La Torre, X Costoya, M Gómez-Gesteira, Albenis Pérez-Alarcón, M deCastro, JA Añel
Publication date
2023/11/1
Journal
Renewable Energy
Volume
216
Pages
118999
Publisher
Pergamon
Description
The Atacama desert is a region with exceptional conditions for solar power production. However, despite its relevance, the impact of climate change on this resource in this region has barely been studied. Here, we use regional climate models to explore how climate change will affect the photovoltaic solar power resource per square meter (P V r e s) in Atacama. Models project average reductions in P V r e s of 1.5% and 1.7% under an RCP8. 5 scenario, respectively, for 2021-2040 and 2041-2060. Under RCP2. 6 and the same periods, reductions range between 1.2% and 0.5%. Also, we study the contribution to future changes in P V r e s of the downwelling shortwave radiation, air temperature and wind velocity. We find that the contribution from changes in wind velocity is negligible. Future changes of downwelling shortwave radiation, under the RCP8. 5 scenario, cause up to 87% of the decrease of P V r e s for …
Total citations
2023202412
Scholar articles