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Analysis of solar photovoltaic and wind power potential in Afghanistan

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  • Ershad, Ahmad Murtaza
  • Brecha, Robert J.
  • Hallinan, Kevin

Abstract

Afghanistan has a need for increased access to energy to enable development. In this paper we analyze the potential for large-scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power plants in two of Afghanistan's most populous provinces (Balkh and Herat) to meet a large fraction of growing electricity demand. The results presented here represent the first quantitative analysis of potential capacity factors and energy yields of power plants in the country using measured wind speed and typical solar radiation data. Variability of resources is also investigated by comparing temporal profiles with those of electricity demand, using residual load duration curves to determine penetration and curtailment levels for various demand scenarios. We show that solar PV and wind power plants in two provinces could achieve penetration levels of 65%–70% without significant curtailment, which in turn would mean less reliance on unpredictable and unstable power purchase agreements with neighboring countries, longer life of limited domestic fossil fuel resources, and lower imports of diesel fuel, thus avoiding rising costs and detrimental environmental impacts. Our results point to an alternative development pathway from that of previous recommendations for conventional thermal power plants, controversial hydroelectric projects, and a significant dependence on imported power.

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  • Ershad, Ahmad Murtaza & Brecha, Robert J. & Hallinan, Kevin, 2016. "Analysis of solar photovoltaic and wind power potential in Afghanistan," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 445-453.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:85:y:2016:i:c:p:445-453
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.06.067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ueckerdt, Falko & Brecha, Robert & Luderer, Gunnar, 2015. "Analyzing major challenges of wind and solar variability in power systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 1-10.
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    1. Hakimi, M. & Baniasadi, E. & Afshari, E., 2020. "Thermo-economic analysis of photovoltaic, central tower receiver and parabolic trough power plants for Herat city in Afghanistan," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 840-853.
    2. Mohammad Abdul Baseer & Venkatesan Vinoth Kumar & Ivan Izonin & Ivanna Dronyuk & Athyoor Kannan Velmurugan & Babu Swapna, 2023. "Novel Hybrid Optimization Techniques to Enhance Reliability from Reverse Osmosis Desalination Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Anwarzai, Mohammad Abed & Nagasaka, Ken, 2017. "Utility-scale implementable potential of wind and solar energies for Afghanistan using GIS multi-criteria decision analysis," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 150-160.
    4. Hameedullah Zaheb & Mikaeel Ahmadi & Nisar Ahmad Rahmany & Mir Sayed Shah Danish & Habibullah Fedayi & Atsushi Yona, 2023. "Optimal Grid Flexibility Assessment for Integration of Variable Renewable-Based Electricity Generation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-24, October.
    5. Dmitriy N. Karamov & Pavel V. Ilyushin & Konstantin V. Suslov, 2022. "Electrification of Rural Remote Areas Using Renewable Energy Sources: Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-13, August.
    6. Jahangiri, Mehdi & Haghani, Ahmad & Mostafaeipour, Ali & Khosravi, Adel & Raeisi, Heidar Ali, 2019. "Assessment of solar-wind power plants in Afghanistan: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 169-190.
    7. Dutta, Riya & Chanda, Kironmala & Maity, Rajib, 2022. "Future of solar energy potential in a changing climate across the world: A CMIP6 multi-model ensemble analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 819-829.

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