A new study has shed light on optimal locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations across the districts of Mardan, Peshawar, and Nowshera within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Utilizing advanced geospatial analysis, this research aims to support the growing need for renewable energy solutions amid rising electricity demands and environmental concerns.
With Pakistan's population surging and its electricity supply lagging, the need for efficient and sustainable energy sources has never been more pressing. Reports indicate approximately 45 million citizens lack reliable electricity access, exacerbated by the country’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute up to 60% of its greenhouse gas emissions. This study utilized multifaceted decision-making strategies to pinpoint locations offering maximum solar potential, highlighting the significant benefits of transitioning to clean energy.
Researchers focused on analyzing various factors, including geographic topography, land use, solar irradiance, and land surface temperature, to assess site suitability for PV installation. Employing methods such as binary classification and weighted overlay, Mardan emerged as particularly favorable, boasting 828.4 km² deemed suitable, and signaling substantial potential for energy generation.
This study outlined Peshawar as exhibiting the greatest solar potential, with 859.8 km² categorized as favorable for solar PV systems, projecting annual energy output of around 67.77 trillion kWh, leading to CO₂ emission reductions of approximately 2.78 billion metric tons.
Nowshera also demonstrated promise with approximately 503.0 km² identified for energy production, equaling around 670.06 billion kWh and offering reductions of 27.46 million metric tons of CO₂. According to the researchers, "These results underline the importance of combining geospatial and meteorological data for accurate planning of solar energy systems." They emphasized how incorporating community-specific conditions can optimize energy efficiency and emissions reductions.
Pakistan holds significant solar potential, with studies estimating over 100,000 MW, yet the country has been slow to capitalize on this resource. Despite having abundant sunlight, PSolar energy has only contributed marginally to the electricity mix, prompting researchers to call for more effective policy frameworks and investments to promote cleaner energy solutions.
This research is timely, as Pakistan has committed to increasing renewable energy's share to 30% by 2030. Effective site selection based on empirical data and informed methodologies can drive forward this transition, ensuring energy efficiency, economic growth, and reduced environmental impact.
Through the lens of this study, it becomes clear: utilizing geospatial analysis not only highlights local topographical advantages but also empowers policymakers to make informed decisions about solar energy deployment, benefiting both the communities and the environment at large.
"The findings highlight how the local topography and availability of solar irradiance significantly influence potential solar energy deployment," the team noted, underscoring the relevance of detailed, localized insights for future developments. By marrying energy production with sustainable practices using sound scientific analysis, Pakistan can navigate its way toward energy independence and reduced greenhouse gas emissions effectively.