Solar Energy Potential Assessment in the Algerian South Area: Case of Gharda？a Region

Due to its geographical position in the solar belt, Algeria is blessed with an abundance of solar energy and has the opportunity to utilize this bounty of natural energy effectively, promoting a clean environment and developing renewable energy technologies in the region. This paper assesses and analyses the solar energy potential in Gharda？a area (south Algeria) to help users for solar energy applications. A database of solar radiation components has been employed for this purpose. The data presented in the paper are compared with other data supplied by renowned regional and international establishments, such as the solar atlas for the Mediterranean and the NASA. The frequency and the hourly distribution of solar radiation components indicate that the region is considered as an economical area and favorable for solar applications, such as the photovoltaic and the concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies. In addition to solar radiation, data of two functions, namely, clearness index and sunshine fraction have been examined; their results specify that the site has a clear sky conditions in most time of the year. In general, the obtained results illustrate that the site under consideration can use solar energy as a promising solution to conventional energy. 1. Introduction In the recent years, Algeria has approved its determination to contribute to the world efforts to combat the global warming and protect the environment. Throughout this goal, a dynamic green energy has been initiated by launching an ambitious program of development of renewable energy and energy efficiency. This vision is based on a strategy focused on the development of inexhaustible resources, such as solar energy. The program aims to achieve a renewable power installations of about 22000 (MW) between 2011 and 2030, of which 12000 (MW) will be oriented to cover the national demand and 10000 (MW) for export. So, renewable energies are placed at the center of economic and energy policy awareness of the country. About 40% of electricity production for domestic consumption will be issued from renewable sources, by the year 2030. Indeed, our country will become an important player in the production of electricity from solar photovoltaic and solar thermal [1]. Large-scale projects to exploit renewable resources, in particular, solar energy, are already underway; we can cite as example, the photovoltaic solar power plant of Oued Nechou (20？km north of Gharda？a) with a production capacity of 1.1 (MW) to generate solar electricity, and the thermal solar plant of Hassi R'Mel (100？km north