Relevant methods for planning and optimization of power and water production systems of the Gulf countries

Abstract One main feature of the current power/freshwater systems of the Arab-Persian Gulf countries is that the distillers operate throughout the year at quasi-constant load, whereas the power systems operate at low load in winter and peak load in summer. This needs special attention in planning, management and optimization procedures of the systems. A number of alternative scenarios for future expansion of these systems are suggested and discussed. The methods of planning and optimization of the power system in each case are explained based on VTT experience and available energy models. Differentiation will be made between long-term optimization techniques used in planning and short-term optimization used in plant dispatch and unit commitment analysis. The technique of incorporating the environmental factor is shortly discussed.