Satellite Remote Sensing for Identification of Solar Potential Sites in Pakistan

Abstract

Renewable energy sources and technologies have the potential to provide solutions to the long-standing energy problems being faced by the developing countries like Pakistan. Pakistan is endowed with various renewable energy resources such as solar, hydal, wind, biofuel and geothermal. It can earn dividends if these resources are explored, exploited and developed. Pakistan lies in an area of one of the highest solar insulation in the world. The aim of this paper was to identify the areas receiving maximum solar radiation in Pakistan by studying the cloud cover on Pakistan in June, July and August (Monsoon period having maximum clouds) in 2005-2009 and highlighting the use of Remote Sensing in Harnessing the renewable energy resources. The results indicated that Multan and Dera Gazi Khan had the minimum cloud cover on both seasonal and yearly basis. Many locations in Baluchistan, Punjab and Sindh province (Costal Area) also have a great potential for solar energy. This vast potential can be exploited to overcome the energy shortage as the promotion, management and deployment of indigenous energy resources is an obligatory requirement to address the climate change, energy security and sustainable development issues.