Abstract
This study presents a GIS-based model to identify optimal sites to install large-scale smart grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) power plants. Input datasets include digital elevation model, road networks, grid lines and daily average solar radiation. Using multi-criteria decision-making approach, we set constraining conditions for slope, proximity to the road, proximity to grid lines, solar radiation and land use to optimize the process of selecting suitable sites. Also, we predicted energy generation potential, installation capacity and CO2 emission reduction potential. The result shows that 790.48 km2 (40%) of the study is optimal for large-scale PV installation. Furthermore, a total of 105276.88 GWh/yr annual electricity generation, 59.29 GW installation capacity and yearly CO2 emission reduction of 66324 (kt–CO2/yr) are estimated for Selangor. This study indicates that based on the 2030 national energy demand, about 38.4% of the annual energy demand could be met if 59.29 GW capacity is install in Selangor. Similarly, the study predicts 13.2% annual carbon emission reduction offset from the predicted 2020 CO2 emission.
Highlights
Global attention has been focusing on renewable sources of energy especially solar and the wind option
The intersection of optimal sites and solar radiation is translated to statistical values according to districts in the study area
This information was useful for extracting land requirement and the output presented in Table 3, expressed as a function of solar radiation class and percentage of land area
Summary
Global attention has been focusing on renewable sources of energy especially solar and the wind option. Efforts to promote the development of alternative sources of energy using solar resources have recently been advancing in Malaysia due to two major reasons. According to sources (e.g., Ali et al, 2012; Chua and Oh, 2010; Mekhilef et al, 2012; Noh, 2012; Ong et al, 2011), 95% of the energy consumed in Malaysia comes from fossil sources (i.e., oil, coal and natural gas). The total electricity generated in 2013 was 111,020 GWh (Energy-Commission, 2014) as against peak annual national energy demand of 16,562 MW. According to Ali et al (2012; Mekhilef et al, 2012), with an anticipated 4.7% annual rise in industrial and commercial development, the predicted peak electricity
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