A GIS-based high spatial resolution assessment of large-scale PV generation potential in China

• Published in: Applied energy Vol. 247; pp. 254 - 269
• Main Authors: Yang, Qing, Huang, Tianyue, Wang, Saige, Li, Jiashuo, Dai, Shaoqing, Wright, Sebastian, Wang, Yuxuan, Peng, Huaiwu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2019
• Subjects: carbon; carbon dioxide; China; decision making; electric energy consumption; energy; fossil fuels; Geographic information system; geographic information systems; greenhouse gas emissions; land use change; Large-scale PV; power generation; Renewable energy development; Resource assessment; solar energy; sustainable development; temperature; China; Resource assessment; Large-scale PV; Geographic information system; Renewable energy development
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.04.005
• ISSN: 0306-2619

•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 × 1014 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. 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 × 105 GW, corresponding to an annual power generation of 1.38874 × 1014 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.