A GIS-based high spatial resolution assessment of large-scale PV generation potential in China. (1st August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Qing; Huang, Tianyue; Wang, Saige; Li, Jiashuo; Dai, Shaoqing; Wright, Sebastian; Wang, Yuxuan; Peng, Huaiwu
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 247(2019)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2019-08-01
• Subjects: Large-scale PV -- Resource assessment -- Geographic information system -- Renewable energy development; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.04.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: 600 land conversion factors are used to estimate the large-scale PV potential. The potential PV power generation in China is estimated to be 1.38874 × 10 14 kWh. China's eight developed coastal provinces account for 1% of generation potential. Associated CO2 reduction could meet China's emission reduction commitment. Maximum PV scenario needs inter-regional transmission capacity reach 300 GW. Abstract: The achievement of temperature control target requires a low carbon transition of global energy structure. While China is actively promoting the implementation of large-scale PV generation technology, there is still a lack of scientific knowledge of the generation potential in China. To address this deficiency, this study builds a GIS-based model with 600 land conversion factors incorporated to accurately estimate the large-scale PV power generation potential in China. The results show a potential installed capacity of 1.41 × 10 5 GW, corresponding to an annual power generation of 1.38874 × 10 14 kWh or 21.4 times national electricity consumption in China 2016. If this potential were fully realized as a replacement for current fossil fuel-based power generation in China 2030, a reduction in China's carbon intensity of 63–68% compared to 2005 would result, which is sufficient to meet China's CO2 emission reduction commitment. On a provincial level, while generation potential in Northwest and Inner Mongolia together account for 86% of the total, China's eight economically developed coastal provinces only account for 1%. To achieve a maximum large-scale PV scenario in China 2030, the capacity of inter-regional transmission grids from Northwest region and Inner Mongolia to the regions with insufficient potential should reach an approximate 300 GW. Our study could provide decision-makers with the precise information on large-scale PV power generation map of China, and optimizing low carbon strategies and inter-regional power transmission for achieving sustainable development.