Socio-environmental and technical factors assessment of photovoltaic hydrogen production in Antofagasta, Chile

• DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2024.101373
• Publication Date: 2024-04-06T21:52:54Z
• Authors: Isidora Abasolo F...; Carolina Bonacic ...; René Garrido Lazo; Alejandro Fernánd...; Marco San Martin ...; Pablo Rodríguez M...; Daniel Serafini; Angel Rodríguez Soto; Marcelo Mena-Carr...; Javier Valdes; Yunesky Masip Macia
• Keywords: Site selection

This study introduces a method for identifying territories ideal establishing photovoltaic (PV) plants green hydrogen (GH2) production in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, location celebrated its outstanding solar energy potential. Assessing viability PV plant installation necessitates balanced consideration technical aspects and socio-environmental constraints, such as proximity to areas ecological importance indigenous communities, identify potential zones non-conventional renewable (NCRE)-based production. To tackle this challenge, we propose methodology that utilizes geospatial analysis, integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) tools with sensitivity determine most suitable sites region. Our analysis employs QGIS software these optimal locations, while uses Sørensen–Dice coefficient assess similarity among chosen variables. Applying reveals significant area within 15 km radius existing road networks electrical substations is favorable projects. further highlights limiting effects factors their interactions. Moreover, our research finds enlarging could increase total by about 10% per commune, indicating impact on