In-Depth Assessment and Feasibility Study of a Solar PV Farm for a High-Altitude Region: Bridging the Gap Between Technical Potential and Market Barriers in Kyrgyzstan
Abstract
Kyrgyzstan is known for being a high-altitude and cold climatic country of Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan relies almost completely on hydropower for supplying its energy needs. Because of the abstracted water resources, the majority of the power is generated with hydropower facilities. However, the Kyrgyz power sector is facing several serious problems because of the hydropower facilities. Despite social, environmental and ecological issues, the local government focused on building new hydropower plants. To bring sustainability to the Kyrgyz power sector with the help of renewable energy, the presented work utilizes the untapped solar PV potential of Kyrgyzstan to perform a feasibility study with detailed techno-economic analysis by considering the latest energy legislation framework. The study shows that the solar PV farm is a promising technology for sustainable electricity supply in Kyrgyzstan. The study further identifies the solution to bridge the gap between the technical potential of solar PV and market barriers.