Feasibility of Renewable Energy Technology at the Afghanistan National Security University: A Site-Specific Study Focused on Potential Renewable Energy Technologies in Northwest Kabul, Afghanistan

摘要

This work conducted a site-specific feasibility study to assess the potential use of renewable energy to reduce or replace planned fossil fueled generators at the Afghanistan National Security University (ANSU) and its supporting facilities located in Qargha, Kabul, Afghanistan. On completion of all phases of construction, ANSU will consume approximately $45M of diesel fuel annually for power production. The Afghanistan Engineer District-North commissioned the US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) to investigate renewable energy solutions to reduce that annual fuel cost. The team investigated the following technologies: solar photovoltaic (ground- mounted and building-integrated), solar domestic hot water (DHW), wind, geothermal, geo-thermal (ground-source) heat pumps, waste-to energy (including biomass), solar air collector, solar air ventilation, fuel cells, and hydroelectric power. Qualitative facility demand and energy reduction measures were also included. These energy conservation measures can be used as part of the planning and design phases of construction. On review of all potential options, it was determined that seven renewable energy systems were viable, and eight renewable energy technologies were not viable.