Assessment of the Potential Photovoltaic Power in Yemen Using Satellite Data and GIS

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive, high-resolution assessment of the theoretical and practical solar energy potential in the Republic of Yemen using satellite-derived data from the SolarGIS platform, available via the Global Solar Atlas. The analysis incorporates key solar radiation components including Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DIF), Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), and Global Tilted Irradiance at optimal tilt (GTI), along with auxiliary factors such as optimal tilt angle, air temperature, and elevation above sea level. GHI values across Yemen range between 5.46 and 6.88 kWh/m². Approximately 7.62% of the country's area exhibits the highest theoretical photovoltaic potential (6.8–7.05 kWh/m²), while 47.27% falls within a very high potential range (6.6–6.8 kWh/m²). For DNI, values vary between 3.76 and 7.29 kWh/m², with 1.45% of the land categorized as globally top-tier potential (7.2–7.75 kWh/m²), and 15.38% classified as high (6.7–7.2 kWh/m²). DIF values range from 1.83 to 2.76 kWh/m², with 38.5% of the area concentrated within the 2.1–2.2 kWh/m² range. GTI values vary between 5.66 and 7.27 kWh/m², where 13.64% of the country is classified under high irradiance (7.1–7.3 kWh/m²). Regarding practical photovoltaic output (PV_OUT), around 2.35% of Yemen’s area falls within the highest operational efficiency class (5.6–5.9 kWh/kWp), and 24.41% is classified as very high (5.4–5.6 kWh/kWp), while 90.09% of the land area achieves at least 5 kWh/kWp. Based on the three evaluation levels (0, 1, and 2), the assessed areas are 455,112 km², 235,748 km², and 219,364 km² respectively, representing 86.2%, 44.65%, and 41.54% of the total land area of Yemen (527,970 km²). Regions with PVOUT values above 5.6 kWh/kWp cover approximately 1.7–2% of the area, while the area exceeding the national average of 5.2 kWh/kWp amounts to 152,007 km². These findings highlight the abundance of solar resources in Yemen, demonstrating the country's strong potential for large-scale solar energy deployment. This supports the development of strategic, sustainable national energy plans aimed at electricity generation and long-term energy independence.