Solar Energy Potential in the Yangtze River Delta Region—A GIS-Based Assessment

Decarbonization of electrical power generation is an essential necessity in the reduction of carbon emissions, mitigating climate change and attaining sustainable development. Solar energy as a substitution for fossil fuel-based energy sources has the potential to aid in realizing this sustainable future. This research performs a geographic information systems (GIS)-based assessment of the solar energy potential in the Yangtze River Delta region (YRDR) of China using high-resolution solar radiation data combined with geographical, social, environmental and cultural constraints data. The solar energy potential is evaluated from the geographical and technical perspective, and the results reveal that the YRDR is endowed with rich solar energy resources, with the geographical potential in the suitable areas ranging from 1446 kWh/m2 to 1658 kWh/m2. It is also estimated that the maximum solar capacity potential could be up to 4140.5 GW, illustrating the high potential available for future capacity development in this region. Realizing this significant potential as an alternative for fossil fuel-based electricity generation would result in a substantial mitigation of CO2 emissions in this region, where air pollution is severe. Potential evaluations found that Jiangsu and Anhui provinces provide the most optimal areas for the development of solar photovoltaics (PV) installations, as they have the highest geographical and technological solar energy potential. Further, findings of the case study undertaken at a solar PV plant show disparities between actual generated power and technical solar potential, highlighting the significance of utilizing solar radiation data from local ground-based meteorological stations. This study provides policy makers and potential investors with information on solar energy potential in the Yangtze River Delta region that would contribute to solar power generation development.