PRIORITIZATION OF RENEWABLE SOLAR ENERGY TO PREVENT ENERGY INSECURITY: AN INTEGRATED ROLE

Renewable energy decreases the threat of energy insecurity. Solar energy systems are proving to be an easy and cheaper solution to energy crisis worldwide. Developing countries including Pakistan have augmented efforts to boost the current solar capacity. The identification of desired solar power point plant fabrication requires robust analysis of several factors. Adequate research has not been done on the site selection process for solar projects in Pakistan. This study identifies and proposes multiple point states having solar energy potential. Based on the multiple main and sub-criteria obtained from the literature, a mathematical formulation has been used to install the solar projects at rural areas of Pakistan. An empirical assessment of the off-grid rural solar power projects in Pakistan has also been conducted in this case study. The results reveal that mass, money supply and ratio are important, while the transmission on the matrix, the cost of land and the sun were generated. The study found the district of Barkhan (R2) of Baluchistan to be the most ideal site, followed by Jacobabad (R3) and Mastung (R3). With respect to economic viability, this study found that solar energy systems provide electricity which is much cheaper than conventional energy supplied in the country. This study could be useful reference for South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, which are currently electrifying remote and rural areas through solar energy system.

Automated summary

This study examines the site selection process and economic viability of solar energy projects in Pakistan, proposing multiple potential sites and highlighting the cost-effectiveness of solar energy systems compared to conventional energy sources. The findings could serve as a useful reference for other South Asian countries electrifying remote and rural areas through solar energy systems.