Energy potential assessment and geospatial site suitability analysis for crop residue-based power plants in Pakistan

Abstract

Biomass is one of the most investigated sustainable alternative energy resources. Agricultural crop residue is abundantly available, spatially scattered and low energy-density biomass thus location of residue-based power plants is important in bioenergy development. In this study, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) were employed to identify the best locations for crop residue-based power plants using crop production data and other geospatial datasets. Residue availability and Electricity Generation Potential (EGP) of major crops of Pakistan were computed and mapped on district level. This energy intensity (kWh/ha) map and other factors including road networks, Land Use Land Cover, grid stations and water stress were then weighed using the AHP for site suitability of power plants. Results showed that a total of 21,390 GWh of electricity could be generated. Almost 413,970 km2 (52 % of total) is unavailable for analysis because of the unavailability of crop residue, steep slope and presence of surface water. Weighted overlay analysis, based on the AHP, resulted in highly and extremely suitable locations in central Punjab and upper Sindh provinces with some areas in north-eastern Balochistan. A total of 10 final sites for residue-based power plants were identified in Pakistan, of capacity ranging from 50 MW to 125 MW, with cumulative capacity of 930 MW and 2.9 MtCO2 GHG emission reduction in a year. It can be concluded that Punjab and Sindh have the most suitable areas for development of biomass power plants. Policy making and implementation for establishment of crop residue-based power generation by stake holders can transform the region socio-economically.