Renewable Energy Micro-Generation Prospects and Suitability in Helmand Province in Afghanistan

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].

Micro-generation technology

Micro-generation is the production of heat...