Assessment of solar energy potential and development in Afghanistan

Ahmad Tamim Mehrad,P Siano

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202123900012

Ahmad Tamim Mehrad, P Siano

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202123900012

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Abstract

Energy generation in Afghanistan is limited and heavily dependent on fossil fuels and imported electricity. Due to rapid population growth and progress in the industry, services, and agriculture sectors, the existing energy sources are not fulfilling the current energy needs of the country. Meanwhile, there is a big gap between power supply and demand, which led to an energy shortage in Afghanistan. Consequently, there is a need to develop power generation and assure energy sustainability by concentrating on renewable energy sources. This paper aims to analyze the theoretical, practical, and economic potential of solar energy in Afghanistan with the main focus on PV power technology. Power generation from solar sources is theoretically, practically, and economically suitable for Afghanistan and can be a perfect solution for the energy shortage in the country. The Afghan government should consider developing solar energy as a priority for energy security, socio-economic development, and improving the quality of life in Afghanistan.

Highlights

Energy plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of any country
Afghanistan is the least-developed country that has suffered from decades of war and continuous instability
One of the consequences of the long-term war and conflict in Afghanistan was the destruction of infrastructures, especially energy infrastructure [1]

Summary

Introduction

Energy plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of any country. Most of the human activities are directly related to the sustainable meeting of energy demands. Afghanistan is the least-developed country that has suffered from decades of war and continuous instability. One of the consequences of the long-term war and conflict in Afghanistan was the destruction of infrastructures, especially energy infrastructure [1]. Due to rapid population growth and development of industry, Afghanistan needs more amount of energy to maintain a sustainable life cycle. There is a severe shortage of energy supply that created an energy crisis in the country [2]. There is a big gap between electricity demand and supply that is obvious mostly during the winter and summer seasons

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