Potential of solar energy use and reducing greenhouse gases emissions in Ahvaz

Use of fossil energy provides greenhouse gases emissions and therefore global warming phenomenon and the incidence of further consequences such as expanding deserts and blasting the dust storms in the middel east, including Iran. Taking advantage of renewable energy is the most appropriate solution to prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Ahvaz region in the southwest of Iran with a population of 1338126 and 3088.2 sunny hours annually is the most talented area for applying the solar system. Ahvaz as a case study and the households of 4 to 5 people were selected as the target community. Economic and environmental analysis has been done by RETscreen software. The decline rate of contaminant emission and its costs was calculated if the project of solar water heaters would be carried out.The results of this study on the basis of Btu/year revealed that about 100% of total thermal charge of consumed hot water of target community and 35% of the total thermal charge of households of Ahwaz can be provided by using the solar water heater.In the scenario of replacement solar water heaters with gas water heaters, 66 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved and 6.969 million dollars will be added to the national income per annum. In addition, the release of 1388 × 106 tons of co2 as the greenhouse gas is prevented. This study shows that development of the exploiting the renewable energy needs to the supporting of regional governments.