Unlock the Photovoltaic Potential of Expressway Slopes: A Case in Fujian Province

Abstract

Expressway slopes, within the boundary of expressway construction land, have the potential to be transformed from conventional land use to valuable utilization through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Considering the continuous increase in expressway mileage, the PV potential could be enormous, therefore the method to quantify such potential is urgently needed. This study proposes a potential assessment method for expressway slopes photovoltaics (ESPV). Firstly, the suitable locations of expressway slopes for installing PV systems are identified based on publicly available digital maps, combined with the principles of PV site selection and geographic information systems (GIS). Then, the PVsyst model is used to simulate the power generation efficiency and power output of the PV systems, and to evaluate their PV potential, contribution, and economic benefits. The implementation of the proposed method in Fujian Province, China, indicates that the installed capacity of PV systems in Fujian Province can reach 16.29 GW, with an annual power output of 17,940 GWh, and can contribute to the peak-shaving of power grid. The investment payback period is 12.9 years based on power generation revenue alone, and 11.7 years when considering CO2 emission savings. It can reduce 416.2 Mt of CO2 with 25 years.

Keywords: Photovoltaic potential, Expressway slope, Benefit analysis, Carbon reduction, GIS.