Analysis of Photovoltaic Potential and Selection of Optimal Site near Gumdeok Mine, North Korea

초록

Although North Korea has various mineral resources, mine operation is difficult due to a lack of the latest technology and equipment and the aging of infrastructure facilities. In particular, the lack of power supply has been highlighted as a major cause of difficulty in mine operation. If an independent electricity generation system is constructed using photovoltaic energy, it would be possible to supply electricity smoothly without restructuring the backward infrastructure facilities. This study examined the solar energy potential near Gumdeok mine, which is the largest zinc deposit in North Korea. Optimal site selection for a photovoltaic system and estimation of electricity generation and construction cost were also performed. The largest optimal area in the study area is the farmland in the southeast of the mine. If a solar power system is constructed in all of the optimal areas, it would be possible to construct a system with a capacity of 129 MW, which is expected to provide approximately 50% of the power required in Gumdoek mine. The results of this study can be used as a new alternative to power shortages in North Korea. The results are also expected to help make various decisions and policies related to North Korea.

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