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Situation and outlook of solar energy utilization in Tibet, China

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  • Wang, Qiang
  • Qiu, Huan-Ning

Abstract

The near-exponential rise in tourist numbers and accelerating economic growth have challenged Tibetan energy supply and threaten its peculiar environment and valuable ecosystem. Exploitation of pollution free solar power may medicate this demand for energy. Here we shall provide a review of solar power development in Tibet. This region has a near inexhaustible source of solar energy due to its average annual radiation intensity of 6000-8000Â MJ/m2, ranking it first in China and second after the Sahara worldwide. Currently, Tibet has 400 photovoltaic power stations with a total capacity of nearly 9Â MW. In addition, 260,000 solar energy stoves, passive solar house heating covering 3Â million square meters, and 400,000Â m2 of passive solar water heaters are currently in use in Tibet. Although Tibet places first in applying solar energy in China, solar energy faces big challenges from hydroelectric power and the absence of local know-how. The new power generation capacity in Tibet's "11th Five-Year (2006-2010)" Plan focuses primarily on hydropower, PV power stations being relegated to a secondary role as supplementary to hydropower. Here it will be argued that this emphasis is incorrect and that solar energy should take first place in Tibet's energy development, as it is crucial in striving for a balance between economic development, booming tourism, and environmental protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Qiang & Qiu, Huan-Ning, 2009. "Situation and outlook of solar energy utilization in Tibet, China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 13(8), pages 2181-2186, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:13:y:2009:i:8:p:2181-2186
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tsoutsos, Theocharis & Frantzeskaki, Niki & Gekas, Vassilis, 2005. "Environmental impacts from the solar energy technologies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 289-296, February.
    2. Liu, Gang & Lucas, Mario & Shen, Lei, 2008. "Rural household energy consumption and its impacts on eco-environment in Tibet: Taking Taktse county as an example," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 12(7), pages 1890-1908, September.
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