Urban planning role in environmental development, transportation potentials: Al-Baha region

Abstract This paper analyzes the potential for energy generation using the transport system in Al-Baha city by investigating its road hierarchy and evaluate traffic in selected location across the city. Urban systems to manage the transport hierarchy are important, and exploiting them to minimize CO2 emissions rates is critical. The used approach is to investigate the urban planning of Al-Baha city by referring to its approved master plan detailing the road hierarchy, and second, conducting a traffic survey at selected points across the city. The data collection process, involved accessing the master plan for Al-Baha city held by the ministry of the municipality for the Al-Baha region. Additional data related to traffic congestion and demand was gathered physically at chosen sites. The output of the study illustrates the potential for energy generation exploiting traffic mobility at six different sites across Al-Baha city. Furthermore, attractive features that effect the transport system in Al-Baha city were highlighted and the potential for energy saving employing energy generation using the transport system discussed. The research contributes on highlighting the potential for renewable energy, minimizes the need to burn fossil fuels, and can be replicated in other cities characterized by high demand transport systems.