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A GIS-based high spatial resolution assessment of large-scale PV generation potential in China

Author

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  • Yang, Qing
  • Huang, Tianyue
  • Wang, Saige
  • Li, Jiashuo
  • Dai, Shaoqing
  • Wright, Sebastian
  • Wang, Yuxuan
  • Peng, Huaiwu

Abstract

The achievement of temperature control target requires a low carbon transition of global energy structure. While China is actively promoting the implementation of large-scale PV generation technology, there is still a lack of scientific knowledge of the generation potential in China. To address this deficiency, this study builds a GIS-based model with 600 land conversion factors incorporated to accurately estimate the large-scale PV power generation potential in China. The results show a potential installed capacity of 1.41 × 105 GW, corresponding to an annual power generation of 1.38874 × 1014 kWh or 21.4 times national electricity consumption in China 2016. If this potential were fully realized as a replacement for current fossil fuel-based power generation in China 2030, a reduction in China’s carbon intensity of 63–68% compared to 2005 would result, which is sufficient to meet China’s CO2 emission reduction commitment. On a provincial level, while generation potential in Northwest and Inner Mongolia together account for 86% of the total, China's eight economically developed coastal provinces only account for 1%. To achieve a maximum large-scale PV scenario in China 2030, the capacity of inter-regional transmission grids from Northwest region and Inner Mongolia to the regions with insufficient potential should reach an approximate 300 GW. Our study could provide decision-makers with the precise information on large-scale PV power generation map of China, and optimizing low carbon strategies and inter-regional power transmission for achieving sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Qing & Huang, Tianyue & Wang, Saige & Li, Jiashuo & Dai, Shaoqing & Wright, Sebastian & Wang, Yuxuan & Peng, Huaiwu, 2019. "A GIS-based high spatial resolution assessment of large-scale PV generation potential in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C), pages 254-269.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:247:y:2019:i:c:p:254-269
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.04.005
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