Overview

SolarMap is a joint project between the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, Enable and the School of History and Geography. The research will use Geospatial and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to identify areas suitable for urban solar farming and to model the spatial extent and efficiency of those farms, firstly in Dublin and subsequently in other urban areas. By 2050 the global population is projected to be 9.8 billion and between 70 and 80% will live in cities. This will present challenges for resources. Urban environments use large amounts of electricity, placing significant pressures on these important resources. Climate change and a rising population will increase this demand up to 2050 and beyond. The Irish government has outlined a strategy in mitigation and adaptation to help address the issue of climate change. However, there is an urgent need to examine solar prospecting in Urban areas. Currently, almost no electricity is produced in Dublin city despite a large amount of roof space, particularly in the light industrial zones on the edges of the city. This project will focus on the use of geospatial and ICT technologies to develop solutions to this resource issue.