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Are Regions Conducive to Photovoltaic Power Generation Demonstrating Significant Potential for Harnessing Solar Energy via Photovoltaic Systems?

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  • Jiayu Bao

    (Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
    Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
    Advanced Blasting Technology Engineering Research Center of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education, Kunming 650093, China)

  • Xianglong Li

    (Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
    Advanced Blasting Technology Engineering Research Center of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education, Kunming 650093, China)

  • Tao Yu

    (Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Liangliang Jiang

    (School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China)

  • Jialin Zhang

    (Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China)

  • Fengjiao Song

    (Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China)

  • Wenqiang Xu

    (Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China)

Abstract

To achieve the goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, Xinjiang, as an autonomous region in China with large energy reserves, should adjust its energy development and vigorously develop new energy sources, such as photovoltaic (PV) power. This study utilized data spatiotemporal variation in solar radiation from 1984 to 2016 to verify that Xinjiang is suitable for the development of PV power generation. Then, the averages of the solar radiation, sunshine duration, and other data in the period after 2000 were used to assess the suitability of Xinjiang, based on spatial principal component analysis (SPCA). Finally, the theoretical power generation potential, fossil fuel reduction, and CO 2 emissions reduction were estimated. The results are as follows: (1) In terms of temporal variation, the solar radiation in Xinjiang decreased (1984–2002), increased (2002–2009), and decreased again (2009–2016), but the fluctuations were not statistically significant. In terms of spatial distribution, the Kunlun Mountains in southern Xinjiang had the highest solar radiation during the span of the study period. Hami and Turpan, in eastern Xinjiang, had sufficiently high and stable solar radiation. (2) The area in Xinjiang classed as highly suitable for solar PV power generation is about 87,837 km 2 , which is mainly concentrated in eastern Xinjiang. (3) In the situation where the construction of PV power plants in Xinjiang is fully developed, the theoretical potential of annual solar PV power generation in Xinjiang is approximately 8.57 × 10 6 GWh. This is equivalent to 2.59 × 10 9 tce of coal. Furthermore, 6.58 × 10 9 t of CO 2 emissions can be reduced. PV power generation potential is approximately 27 times the energy consumption of Xinjiang in 2020. Through the suitability assessment and calculations, we found that Xinjiang has significant potential for PV systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiayu Bao & Xianglong Li & Tao Yu & Liangliang Jiang & Jialin Zhang & Fengjiao Song & Wenqiang Xu, 2024. "Are Regions Conducive to Photovoltaic Power Generation Demonstrating Significant Potential for Harnessing Solar Energy via Photovoltaic Systems?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:8:p:3281-:d:1375835
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