Sustainable photovoltaic power generation spatial planning through ecosystem service valuation: A case study of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau

Abstract

Climate change exerts profound negative effects on the Earth's natural and human systems. Transitioning to large-scale renewable energy (RE) production, especially solar photovoltaic (PV) power, can significantly mitigate carbon emissions. However, the fragility and sensitivity of the ecosystem and geo-environment disparity of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) could potentially constrain solar PV power generation. In this study, we evaluated both the ecosystem service values (ESV) and the land suitability for PV power generation within the QTP. Through an integrated analysis, a comprehensive planning map highlighting areas suitable for PV power development was constructed. The results show that the suitable area is 7.62 × 105 km2, accounting for 29.48 % of the QTP. The high-priority development area is mainly concentrated in the southwestern and north-central of the QTP, covering a total area of 3.43 × 105 km2, with obvious advantages in PV power generation potential (610.09 kwh/m2). Notably, a disparity exists between the locations of current PV power installations and our planning pattern. Additionally, PV power generation in the whole planning region can reduce CO2 emissions by 2.15 × 1011 tons. This study provides a sustainable framework for the comprehensive spatial planning of PV power plants, aiming to minimize conflicts between PV power generation and ecosystem services.