Comprehensive Analysis of Renewable Energy Potential and Development Strategies for Agricultural Sector in Rural Areas of Kurdistan Province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
yasin tashan 1
heydar gholizadeh 1
mohamad Badsar 1
omid karami 2
majid namdari 3
1 Department of Agricultural Extension, Communication and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
2 Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, United States of America
3 Department of Production and plant genetics University of Zanjan, zanjan.Iran
10.30470/jrdes.2025.2051127.1049
Abstract
Energy is a fundamental component in fulfilling basic human needs, supporting systems ranging from the food supply chain to diverse economic activities. In light of the existing imbalance between energy production and consumption within the agricultural sector, and the mounting challenges posed by global warming, the imperative to transition toward renewable energy sources becomes increasingly clear. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the renewable energy potential in the agricultural sector of Kurdistan Province—a subject that has received relatively limited scholarly attention—and to propose strategic recommendations for its advancement. Data were gathered through 15 semi-structured expert interviews, conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved, and subsequently analyzed using qualitative content analysis in MAXQDA software. The findings indicate that the province’s renewable energy potential comprises 40.54% solar, 37.84% wind, 13.51% hydropower, and 8.11% biomass. The prioritization for development was determined as follows: solar (31.9%), wind (29.79%), biomass (15.19%), hydropower (10.64%), and geothermal (8.51%). Recommended strategies include the provision of financial support (22.95%), public education and awareness campaigns (21.31%), reallocating subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable sources (6.56%), and the implementation of incentive-based policies (4.92%). These results offer a foundation for designing participatory renewable energy initiatives involving local farmers and advancing sustainable development across the province. 
Keywords
Renewable energy
capacity assessment
rural development
sustainable agriculture
Kurdistan Province
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  • Receive Date 22 October 2024
  • Revise Date 30 November 2024
  • Accept Date 16 March 2025
  • Publish Date 20 March 2025