20210831-IRENA-Utility-scale_Solar_and_Wind_Areas_Burkina_Faso_32页_8mb

Summary

1. Purpose and Objective:
   This study assesses the suitability of areas in Burkina Faso for utility-scale solar and wind power project development to support national energy planning and renewable energy adoption.

2. Methodology:
   The assessment uses a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making approach with a scoring system (0-100%) and weighted linear combination. Key criterion categories include: solar irradiance, wind speed, proximity to transmission and road networks, topography, population density, and protected areas. Thresholds and weights were determined through expert pairwise comparison.

3. Crucial Findings:

   • Usable Area: Approximately 27.4% of Burkina Faso’s land is suitable for solar projects and 0.5% for wind (score >60%).
   • Maximum Potential: Assuming an installation density of 50 MW/km² for solar (95.9 GW) and 5 MW/km² for wind (1.96 GW), with a 1% land utilisation factor.
   • Key Factors: Solar suitability is high near transmission networks. Wind sites require good technical conditions and proximity to infrastructure.

4. Limitations and Recommendations:

   • Results depend on thresholds and dataset quality. Non-technical issues (e.g., land ownership) may influence site selection.
   • Opportunities should be prioritized using high-temporal/spatial data for detailed assessments via IRENA’s site assessment services.

5. Conclusion:
   Burkina Faso has considerable potential for solar and wind power development, supporting energy security and climate goals. Further investigation on identified areas is recommended.