Assessment of the Electricity System Transition towards High Share of Renewable Energy Sources in South Asian Countries

Abstract

The progressive use of renewable energy sources to ensure a continuous and abundant energy supply is the significant target towards a sustainable and secure energy system. Previously, the countries that had relied on fossil fuel as a dominating energy source are now endorsing energy system transition towards renewable energy sources. In this study, a comparative assessment of the energy problems of South Asian countries is summarized. Nevertheless, there are many similarities and differences in the electricity supply system of these countries. Long-term planning for renewable energy development is suggested for a diverse population and dispersed geographical location considering all the significant challenges. However, appropriate schemes are imperative for integrating significant renewable energy sources. This study introduces a foresight plan of the electricity model according to the demand and supply balance for extensive technical analysis. The EnergyPLAN modeling tool was employed to work out a more ambitious VRE integration scenario than the official plans. The reference model was validated according to legitimate and authentic data, and then, the technically most feasible renewable energy-based alternate scenario was built. The additional grid integration cost of variable renewable energy was quantitatively investigated for comprehensive power system modeling for a real-time economic analysis. The results may be adapted and support developing more sustainable power generation serving 1787 million in South Asian countries.

Power Sector Under Climate Scenario: A Study of Climate Policy Impact on Indonesia Electricity System

“…LEAP, a scenario-based modeling tool developed by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), is not limited to the energy sector but can also be effectively used in non-energy sectors for policy modeling (Heaps, 2022). Its versatility is evident in its use in energy policy modeling with various scenarios, supply-demand modeling for sustainable power development in Ecuador 2018-2040 (Bolonio and Mazadiego, 2018), projecting GHG emissions in Colombia's energy sector (Nieves et al, 2019), modeling the transition to renewable energy in South Asian countries (Rana and Gróf, 2021), policy analysis of Pakistan's demand forecast 2015-2050(Mirjat et al, 2018, and analyzing the achievement of renewable energy targets and GHG emissions reduction in Thailand (Misila et al, 2020).…”

Strategic Analysis of the Renewable Electricity Transition: Power to the World without Carbon Emissions?

“…Electrical generation remains largely powered by fossil fuels (60% to 70%) [8]. Although Europe's use of coal and other fossil fuels was expected to decline, this did not occur by 2022 [36][37][38]103]. Despite record oil, coal, and gas prices and profits in 2022, demand for fossil fuels soared [4].…”

“…From coal extraction to burning for electricity, coal has many negative impacts [36]. Coal is the top contributor to climate change, is a leading cause of mercury pollution, and creates environmental health issues for the mining communities and their workers.…”

Performance analysis of PVSyst based grid connected photovoltaic systems in Pakistan compared to SAARC countries

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