Wind, biomass and geothermal energy
Although this website focuses on micro hydropower and photovoltaics (PV), other forms of renewable energies exist. For instance, the use of biomass for heating or cooking is very much established and is commonly used across Afghanistan. The potential of biomass resources in Afghanistan is still around 4,000 MW mostly consisting of crop residue, animal manure and municipality solid waste. Another form of renewable energy is the wind. The total potential to generate electricity from making use of the winds adds up to over 150,000 MW with the main areas being found in the western and northern parts of the country. With regards to geothermal energy, more studies have to be undertaken to know the true potential of this technology in Afghanistan.
All in all, Afghanistan's renewable energy potential is huge and the exploitation of these energy sources can make a significant contribution to a comprehensive and in the future maybe even completely independent energy supply for the country.
From basic supply to new business opportunities
Exploitation of Afghanistan's vast renewable energy potential is in many ways an important factor in the country's development. However, two aspects can be highlighted here:
1. Renewable energies contribute greatly to meeting the increasing demand for electricity in the emerging country. Exploitation of these energy sources greatly helps to alleviate future supply gaps at economically and financially attractive costs. The decentralized nature of renewable energies allows power production close to the demand without building up and investing in complex transmission systems.
2. Developing electricity production from renewable energy sources creates new jobs in many ways. Local companies in particular benefit from the country's increasing security of supply in all regions. The implementation of a corresponding infrastructure also brings new, highly qualified jobs and corresponding know-how to Afghanistan. From planning and building the smallest hydropower plant to the construction of large wind parks, utility scale solar farms or grid-extensions, this know-how contributes to making the country increasingly independent of its neighbors over the years.
What are the main opportunities?
- Untapping Afghanistan's huge renewable energy potential - both electricity and heat
- Building up a solid power system with less blackouts
- The decentralized nature of renewable energies grants electricity access to all people in Afghanistan
- Decentralized solutions provide local jobs and can often be installed and maintained quickly and cost-effectively
- Becoming independent from electricity imports from neighboring countries