Quantum Geographic Information System (Q-GIS) based study on emerging energy scenario in Hilly Terrain

The present scenario in industrial development, population growth, and improvement in people's life style throughout the hilly areas has led to increase in primary energy consumption. To a fastest growing economy like India, the primary energy requirements will go up with assured supply of 3-4 times more than consumed at present. In order to reduce the carbon footprints and hence to promote the sustainable energy future, the renewable energy sources are only option to bridge this gap and its popularity is gradually gaining in Eastern Himalayan state of India. The present study deals with a case study on energy used pattern in hilly state of Sikkim where large hydro power projects of total rated capacity of 2150 MW are already been developed and commissioned. But due to resultant consequences of global warming, most of the glaciers on Himalayan belt are melting and may deplete in next 35-40 years of now which is responsible for large hydro power generation. In order to address this cause, government and private organizations have already started taking various steps to identify and develop renewable energy projects based on solar, wind, bio-fuel, micro hydel, etc. at potential sites. This study also accounts with Quantum Geographic Information System (Q-GIS, 2.18.0) based geo-processing model for showing up the highly potential sites for suitably harnessing wind energy at different hub heights as well as solar energy considering its key factors like GHI, DNI, DHI, and PVout for entire region of Sikkim. Based on the present analysis, Wind Power Density (WPD) varies up to 995 W/m(2) in windy sites, whereas Solar PVout varies from 2.97 to 4.57 kWp and both sources are dominant at northern parts of Sikkim. This study suggests the valuable details to investors, policymakers, industrialist, and scientist for strategic energy planning to avert the future energy crises in hilly regions.

Automated summary

The present scenario in the hilly areas of India has led to an increase in primary energy consumption, with renewable energy sources becoming popular to bridge the gap and promote sustainable energy future. A case study in Sikkim shows the development of large hydro projects and the need to address consequences of global warming by developing renewable energy projects. Geographic Information System is used to identify potential sites for harnessing wind and solar energy in the region, with wind power and solar energy dominant in northern parts of Sikkim. The study provides valuable insights for investors, policymakers, industrialists, and scientists to plan strategically and avert future energy crises in hilly regions.