Towards a Quantification of Sand Accumulation Near Sakaka Solar Farm: Experimental Approach and Development of Mitigation Measures

Sakaka power plant was the first large National Renewable Energy Program solar project implemented in Saudi Arabia. This station is located in dry climate conditions where dust storms and sand encroachment are likely to occur during its lifespan. The aim of present study is to investigate and quantify the wind erosion effects on photovoltaic (PV) panels to develop and deploy proactively mitigation measures. To this end, field measurements were carried out using five Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) soil samplers identified by letters A, B, C, D and E and carefully located along plant boundaries where prevailing winds were identified. Three erosion events have been sampled during this campaign in relevant conditions informed by weather forecasts. The results showed that much more sand was collected in West, Southwest and Northwest with sediment fluxes of 149.05 kg/m, 47.14 kg/m and 9.42 kg/m, respectively. This trend is in general agreement with the known prevailing winds in Saudi Arabia region where the strongest wind being recorded in the West, Northwest and South sectors. Results allowed to identify a high potential for sand encroachment where anthropogenic and natural triggering factors act together mainly along the Western fence of Sakaka power plant. Recommended technical measures to reduce sediment fluxes include strategies to reduce wind speed. Hence, windbreaks made of artificial sand ridges (counter dunes) perpendicular to the prevailing winds direction should be designed, implemented and maintained throughout the plant’s lifespan.