Assessment of Photovoltaic Potential of Mining Sites in Uzbekistan

Mokhinabonu Mardonova and Yosoon Choi
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Mokhinabonu Mardonova: Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea
Yosoon Choi: Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: The present study analyzed the potential of eight operational mining sites in Uzbekistan for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems: Sarmich, Ingichka, Kuytosh, Yakhton, Chauli, Sherobod, Chorkesar, and Tebinbuloq. A PV system with 1 MW capacity, which required a total of 4926 m 2 of project land, was considered. The renewable energy analysis software RETScreen, developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRC), was used to calculate energy production, greenhouse gas reduction, and financial factors of the PV systems in the selected study areas. The iron mine Tebinbuloq in Karakalpak showed the highest potential, with annual electricity production of approximately 1685 MWh, equating to a potential reduction of approximately 930 tons of greenhouse gases. The economic benefit of the PV system in this mine was $2.217 million USD net present value with a project payback period of approximately 13 years. The results of precision checks of satellite- and ground-based solar measurements showed high correlations; hence, satellite-based data can be applied for solar project assessments where solar monitoring meteorological stations are not available.

Keywords: photovoltaic system; solar energy; mining industry; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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