Solar resource assessment study for Pakistan

Abstract

Solar resource assessment becomes a very important factor for planners of Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems. Choice between nearby locations can make a difference if a plant is profitable or not, especially in a climatic region with complex topography as can be found in Pakistan. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s geographic location and climate offers a very high potential for solar energy applications. The solar resource assessment study presented in this article describes the approach and set-up required by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).1 The project aims to create a validated solar atlas for Pakistan based on a combination of satellite data and ground measurements to support country-driven efforts to improve renewable energy resource awareness and exploitation. There are several country-specific, ESMAP-funded projects conducted by the World Bank Group (WBG) that cover comprehensive mapping and geospatial planning, including ground-based data collection. The solar resource estimation of Pakistan was one of the first projects to be approved within the program. The final and validated dataset ultimately will be published in the International Renewable Energy Agencies’ (IRENA) global atlas for renewable energy.