Aziz Baker, H. (2017). Potential of using photovoltaic systems in Kurdistan region-Iraq [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2017.51264
Renewable Energy; Kurdistan Region; Photovoltaic Technology; Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaics; Photovoltaic Marketing Situation
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Abstract:
The sun is consider as the main sources of energy. Using sun energy does not require complicated and costly technology. It can be used as a useful and energy source in most parts of the world. Also for countries which has not have enough non-renewable energy sources, using this energy can consider as the most suitable solution for development and economic growth. Despite of Kurdistan region has abundant non-renewable energy sources such as crude oil and natural gas and because of that mostly electricity generate with natural gas, and the Kurdistan economy is dominated by the oil and natural gas industry, fortunately, as Kurdistan is located in sunny belt and due to the intensity of the sun's radiation in most parts of the Kurdistan region, using Photovoltaic (PV) technology to generate electricity is economically feasible and It could have significant savings in gas and oil consumption. Reducing the environmental pollution and most importantly the storage of fossil fuels for future generations, are consider as the major reasons of using renewable energy sources particularly photovoltaic technology in the region. Using of PV technology is favorable but need to evaluate all technical and economic aspects in order to gain the most accurate results. This paper studies the economic and technical potentials of using PV technology in Kurdistan region especially large scale or utility-scale PV application. Ecological aspect are neglected as there is no proceeding any clear policy by the Kurdistan region government. PV marketing situation in Kurdistan is studied by finding the key barriers in way of PV marketing growth and SWOT (Strength-Weakness-Opportunity- Threats ) analysis has been done by address all strength, weakness, opportunity, and threats points. Some factors highlighted in order to take in consideration to improve the PV market in the region and to have an idea about public awareness, survey is done by distributing the questionnaire and the results are promising. Despite of using PV in Kurdistan is consider as very new technology and there is no any FIT(Feed-In-Tariff), ecological policy, government support, technical knowledge, but Kurdistan can consider as suitable market of PV in future and using this technology with current conditions are economical feasible. Thus, need to think more about using this technology in the region.