Theoretical Potentials and Utilization Capacities of Afghanistan’s Renewable Energy Resource

Afghanistan is one of the countries where its population has the lowest access to electricity in the world although the studies show that it is rich in both significant renewable energy potential and conventional energy reserves. Since Afghanistan has adequate natural and geographical conditions, it can benefit significantly from renewable energy resources such as hydro, solar, geothermal, biomass, wind and biomass. Even though Afghanistan has enough areas for utilization of alternative resources, most of the infrastructures (particularly national grids) were destroyed during the last decades because of war and instability. Therefore, the majority of electricity demands are imported from central Asian countries and Iran. This cause higher cost for energy, and other problems as well. According to public sector organizations and departments under leadership of the Ministry of Energy and Water of the country, although Afghanistan does not have any network system for renewable energy excluding hydropower system, does not have any network system, so many projects have been done in this regard. From the theoretical point of view, utilization of renewable energy in Afghanistan can play a very important role (especially in the rural areas where majority of Afghan Nation live there) not only to supply sustainable energy for its population but also it contributes for sustainable economic development. The main purpose of this study is to attempt to compile, examine and discuss the theoretical potential, current and future use capacities of renewable energy sources in Afghanistan by considering other studies