Impact of solar photovoltaic technology on GHGs reduction - a case study in Jordan

The global warming phenomenon, primarily caused by the emissions from conventional energy sources, has become a pressing concern worldwide. Greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted into the atmosphere contribute significantly to this issue. They have diverse impacts on climate, ecosystems, public health, and socio-economic systems, highlighting the need for comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies. To address this problem and minimize GHG emissions, renewable energy sources have emerged as the most promising alternative for power generation. These sources offer a sustainable and clean alternative to fossil fuels, mitigating climate change, reducing air pollution, and fostering energy independence. In the context of this study, a 100 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) station was proposed in Ma’an, Jordan, as a sustainable solution. The effectiveness of this PV station in mitigating GHG emissions was evaluated by comparing it to a base case involving an oil station. To perform this analysis, RETScreen software, a widely recognized tool for assessing renewable energy projects, was used to examine the environmental impact of switching from a conventional energy system to a renewable energy system. The results obtained from the analysis revealed a remarkable reduction in annual gross GHG emissions in the proposed case compared to the base case. Specifically, the emissions would be reduced by 89%, translating to an annual reduction of 49.9 tonnes of CO2. These findings underscore the significant potential of the proposed solar PV station in curbing the emissions responsible for global warming. By significantly reducing GHG emissions, the solar PV station contributes to creating a more sustainable future, aligned with the principles of environmental preservation and climate change mitigation.