An overview of Afghanistan's trends toward renewable and sustainable energies

• Main Authors: Rostami, R., Khoshnava, S. M., Lamit, H., Streimikiene, D., Mardani, A.
• Format: Article
• Published: Elsevier Ltd. 2017
• Subjects: TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/80632/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.11.172

Relentless environmental concerns, steep hike in fossil fuel price, and increasing demand of non-renewable fossil fuels consumption have dramatically increased global search for alternative energies. The world requests ever growing energy supplies to sustain economic development and improvement. Renewable and sustainable energy ever more becoming accepted and established a decisive place in energy system of the word due to ecologicallyresponsiveinsight and a decrease in equipment expenses. Consistent with its endowment of energy resources, each country tried to figure out its own energy portfolio and employing technologies, which are economically viable and socially equitable, and have minimal adverse impacts. This article attempts to review all possible renewable energy sources as a substitute of the current energy profile (coal, natural gas, and petroleum) in Afghanistan. The study found Afghanistan power sector as one of the least development sector which its inadequate status is preventing the development of the country as well. Eventhough, the energy is not the only panacea, but cost effective energies in abundant quantity and quality on sustainable foundation will help to reach to demand socio-economic development. The results indicate that Afghanistan due to its natural and geographical situations enjoys important prospective for renewable energy bases such as solar, wind, geothermal and micro hydro power. Renewable energies could offer the ultimate solution for Afghanistan in general, and rural areas in actual. But, switch to altered forms of energy is grounded in multifaceted interations. The study indicates number of issues such as great upfront charges, absence of providers, insufficient funding appliances, and feebleindorsed and methodologicalcapability overwhelm and affected the use of renewable energies and technologies in Afghanistan. However, with sufficient investment and practical stages by government, andnongovernment agencies and the public encourage, these unbound sources could play a vital role not only in Afghanistan's energy supply, but also in poverty reduction, social and political stability, and improving living standard.