Scenarios of Solar Energy Use on the “Roof of the World”: Potentials and Environmental Benefits

Harald Zandler,Bunafsha Mislimshoeva,Cyrus Samimi

doi:10.1659/mrd-journal-d-15-00077.1

Abstract

Peripheral mountain areas in developing countries are often characterized by energy poverty but also by high solar energy potential. The Eastern Pamirs of Tajikistan are a prime example of this situation, with their lack of energy infrastructure, remoteness, pressure on local natural resources, and high incident radiation amounts. An integrative assessment of the potential for photovoltaic power generation is lacking for this region, as well as for many other mountain environments. We assessed the natural potential, feasibility, and likely effects of increased photovoltaic electricity generation, using climate data, biomass data, a spatial radiation model, and fieldwork- and literature-based scenarios of energy requirements and financial conditions. Results indicated that using a photovoltaic power plant to generate enough energy for boiling water is feasible in the study area within reasonable cost limits. This could significantly alleviate energy poverty, increase carbon sequestration by up to 1500 t/y, and reduce the loss of dwarf shrub stands by up to 2000 ha/y. Our results illustrate that the integrative approach presented in this article can be applied straightforwardly when some climatic measurements and field observations are available and that photovoltaic energy is an important renewable-energy resource for the sustainable development of peripheral high-mountain communities.

Highlights

Remote mountain areas are examples of environments with energy scarcity but considerable renewable-energy potential (Fo€rster et al 2011)
Peripheral mountain areas in developing countries are often characterized by energy poverty and by high solar energy potential
The Eastern Pamirs of Tajikistan are a prime example of this situation, with their lack of energy infrastructure, remoteness, pressure on local natural resources, and high incident radiation amounts

Summary

Introduction

Remote mountain areas are examples of environments with energy scarcity but considerable renewable-energy potential (Fo€rster et al 2011). The harvesting of dwarf shrub biomass has led some researchers to raise the alarm about environmental degradation (Breu et al 2005; Breckle and Wucherer 2006; Hoeck et al 2007; Wiedemann et al 2012), recent studies have indicated that the situation is not that severe (Kraudzun 2014; Kraudzun et al 2014; Vanselow and Samimi 2014). All studies conclude that increased development of renewableenergy resources is necessary for sustainable development (Hoeck et al 2007; Fo€rster et al 2011; Wiedemann et al 2012; Kraudzun 2014; Kraudzun et al 2014)

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Discussion

Conclusion