Comprehensive assessment of clean energy and water production in MENA: A 4-E analysis based on two high-performance solar photovoltaics

High-performance solar photovoltaics (HPSPV) have experienced substantial growth with ability to deliver clean energy for various end-uses. This paper presents a 4-E comparative analysis (energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental) of two variants of PV technology, notably the dual-tracking PV (DPV) and the high concentrated PV (CPV). In this regard, system simulation was conducted on an hourly, monthly and annual basis using system advisor model. A preliminary design of 1 MW CPV and dual-tracking Moni-SI PV systems was developed for several representative cities across the MENA region. Energy productions, capacity factors, energy and exergy efficiencies were determined. Also, the estimation of LCOE along with sensitivity analyses on cost figures were as well carried out. A clean water desalination process relying on reverse osmosis driven by HPSPV systems was investigated which allowed the evaluation of desalinated water productivity and of both solar technologies within the MENA region. DPV systems demonstrate greater reliability, with a capacity factor of 0.2568 in Abu Dhabi, compared to CPV's 0.1467. While CPV shows higher energy and exergy efficiencies, their dependence on direct sunlight limits overall production. Economically, DPV is more cost-effective, with a lower LCOE of 4.296 c$/kWh, compared to CPV's 9.36 c$/kWh. Although CPV may be competitive under very low CAPEX conditions, its advantage diminishes as capital costs rise. Furthermore, DPV systems yield higher water productivity, ranging from 0.5889 to 0.9422 m 3 /kW, compared to CPV's 0.3940 to 0.6304 m 3 /kW, and offer a significant advantage in terms of the levelized cost of water (LCOW), with values as low as 0.1253 $/m 3 in Ouarzazate, compared to 0.6710 $/m 3 for CPV in Nicosia. The assessment is further reinforced with a social impact analysis and a set of policy implications, highlighting the broader benefits of high-performance solar photovoltaics (HPSPV) systems in the MENA region for both electrification and water desalination. • Compares dual-tracking PV (DPV) and concentrated PV (CPV) systems and their integration with Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination in the MENA region. • Focus on energetic, exergetic, economic factors, LCOE, and LCOW. • DPV systems generated more energy for same installed capacity in almost sites. • DPV was more cost-effective (average LCOE 4.296 c$/kWh) than CPV (9.36 c$/kWh). • DPV systems yielded higher water productivity (0.5889 to 0.9422 m 3 /kW) than CPV (0.3940 to 0.6304 m 3 /kW).