Regional advantages and disadvantages of large-scale wind and solar energy production

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the regional advantages and disadvantages of large-scale wind and solar energy production. This thesis adopts the method of combination of quantitative analysis and case study. In the quantitative analysis section, the economic feasibility and carbon impact are assessed through net present value calculation and carbon dioxide emission factor analysis. In the case study section, the importance of wind and solar projects in reducing local greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the transition to a sustainable energy system is explored by examining the Xuwen offshore wind power plant and the Golmud solar power plant. The economic, technical and environmental challenges that may arise from the construction and operation of these power plants are also evaluated in the case study section. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the future directions of wind and solar technology development through literature research, and provides the research summary to respond to research questions raised in the introduction. Through the limitation analysis of this thesis, the future research should focus on technological innovation and use life cycle assessment method to assess the impact of the wind and solar power plants throughout their life cycle rather than just in the construction and operation stages.