Impact of Photovoltaic Power Station on Vegetation Carbon Sink in Guizhou Province

Survey branch company PowerChina Guizhou Electric Power Engineering Co., Ltd, Guiyang, China

^* Corresponding author: a*zhangyong20210819@163.com, bxujing-gzy@powerchina.cn, cliuyong-gzy@powerchina.cn, dzhaoping-gzy@powerchina.cn

Abstract

Assessing the impact of photovoltaic power plants on carbon sequestration by regional vegetation is crucial for the scientific planning of clean energy initiatives. However, due to the extensive distribution and complex environments surrounding photovoltaic power stations, it is significant challenges that quantifying their impact in Guizhou Province using local field monitoring data, This study focuses on Guizhou Province and its photovoltaic power stations, examining changes in carbon sequestration from 2010 to 2022. By integrating remote sensing interpretation data related to photovoltaic installations, this research quantifies the emission reduction benefits associated with these power plants and determines the proportion of carbon sequestration attributable to vegetation affected by photovoltaic construction within overall emissions reductions. The findings reveal that: (1) The net primary productivity (NPP) across Guizhou Province exhibited an upward trend, with a notable increase observed in the western region while a localized decrease occurred in the eastern part; (2) The influence radius of photovoltaic power stations on vegetation carbon sequestration extends approximately 1500 m; however, over time this range has diminished to around 1000 m; (3) During 2010 to 2022, vegetation carbon sequestration impacted by photovoltaic development accounted for 8.39% per annum of total carbon emission reductions from solar energy generation, with a similar proportion noted for carbon dioxide emissions. By 2022, this percentage had decreased significantly to just 1.42%. This study provide a reference into accurately evaluating the emission reduction benefits conferred by photovoltaic power plants.