Zoning of the Volgograd Region Area by Wind and Solar Energy Potential to Assess the Prospects for the Use of Hybrid Energy Complexes

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to assess the environmental and technical potential of wind and solar energy in the Volgograd region in order to make a decision on the feasibility of using combined wind and solar energy systems at the local level. Materials and methods. The article considers the wind and solar potential of renewable energy for the municipal districts of the Volgograd region. A private scoring system has been created for assessing the technical potential of combined energy complexes that combine wind turbines and solar panels. Based on the meteorological and actinometric data of the NASA Power resource, calculations were made of the average annual wind speeds and solar radiation arrival, and cartograms were compiled. Results and discussion. It is shown that the system of hybrid energy complexes will have the highest efficiency in the southern regions of the region, while the least well-off are the northwestern regions. The Volgograd-Volga agglomeration, as the industrial and most densely populated center of the region, has a relatively high potential score for hybrid energy complexes, which is a favorable factor for the greening of the energy sector. In general, the technical potential of renewable energy sources in the Volgograd region is small, but sufficient to provide energy to small facilities. The use of hybrid energy complexes with renewable energy sources as backup capacities is possible only in combination with fuel generators and energy storage devices to minimize energy and economic risks. Conclusions. For empirical verification of the results of the study, it is advisable to experimentally introduce hybrid energy complexes at economic facilities in municipal areas located along the Volga, since it is in this area that the optimal combination of both meteorological and actinometric characteristics is observed.