SUITABILITY OF RENEWABLE MICRO-GENERATION TECHNOLOGY IN HELMAND PROVINCE AND POSSIBLE ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE FROM THEIR INTRODUCTION
Introduction
There is a requirement to write a technical essay on the suitability of various micro-generation schemes for use within Helmand province in Afghanistan and the possible issues that may arise from their introduction.
Scope
This essay highlights the following aspects of the micro-generation schemes within Helmand province in Afghanistan:
a. Overview of energy sector in Afghanistan
b. Micro-generation potential in Afghanistan.
c. Suitability of micro-generation technology in Helmand province.
d. Possible impacts due to their introduction.
Overview of energy sector in Afghanistan
“Only about 10–15% of the Afghan population have access to electricity, one of the lowest in the world. Only about 3% of households are connected to the national grid, most of which are in large cities like Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kandahar, Jalalabad etc The total energy consumption per person is less than 25 kWh per year and more than 85% of the energy requirement is met from traditional fuel, of which 75% comes from wood[1] ”.
This lack of access to electricity in rural Afghanistan has an adverse impact on the forests and watersheds in poverty-stricken provinces. Studies have shown that most problems that exist in rural Afghanistan such as poverty, healthcare, drug-trade and deforestation are all linked to the lack of access to electricity[2].
Helmand is one of the 34 provinces in the south-western part of Afghanistan. Its capital is Lashkar Gah and Helmand River flows through the desert region of the province. Helmand is the world’s largest opium-producing region, allegedly responsible for 75% of the world’s total production. Currently, it’s the main fighting ground for the ISAF and Taleban insurgents[3].
No comments