Abstract
Abstract This paper presents technical and economic assessment of a hybrid energy system for electricity generation in rural communities in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The study was based on a 500 rural household model having an electric load of 493 kWh per day. To simulate long-term continuous implementation of the hybrid system, 21 years (1992 – 2012) hourly mean global solar radiation and wind speed data for the selected sites were used. The mean annual wind speed and solar radiation for the locations ranged from 2.31 m/s for Warri to 3.52 m/ s for Maiduguri and 4.53 kWh/m2 for Warri to 5.92 kWh/m2 for Maiduguri, respectively. These weather data were used for simulation with the Micro-power Optimization Model software HOMER. From the optimum results of the hybrid system,Warri has the highest NPC and COE of $2,441,222 and $0.721/kWh, respectively while Maiduguri has the least NPC and COE of $2,225,387 and $0.658/kWh, respectively for the 21 years project lifespan. The high value of COE for Warri is due to its low renewable energy resource while low COE for Maiduguri is due to its high renewable energy resource. The Northern part of the country has ample renewable energy resource availability and with a strong political will, optimal utilization of these renewable resources (solar and wind) can be actualized. Researchers, Industrialists, Policy Makers and the Nigerian government should therefore seize this opportunity in developing a sustainable energy through utilization of abundant renewable energy resources in the country.
Highlights
IntroductionIncreasing energy access is recognized as an absolute priority for the development of rural and semi- urban areas
This paper presents technical and economic assessment of a hybrid energy system for electricity generation in rural communities in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria
In view of the above facts about signi cant of renewable energies in achieving sustainable energy, this study aims at (i) assessing the technological feasibility and economic viability of utilizing solar - wind hybrid energy system in the selected locations in Nigeria (ii) analyzing the cost bene t of a solar-wind power hybrid system and determine the pay-back period when compared to cost per kilowatt of utility power supply using Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) model and (iii) enumerating strategies to adopt towards achieving sustainable energy in Nigeria
Summary
Increasing energy access is recognized as an absolute priority for the development of rural and semi- urban areas. Electri cation can be achieved via the extension of the grid or increasingly via decentralized generation, more and more frequently with a mix of technologies including renewable energy technologies (RETs) [1]. The tendency to use renewable energy resources has grown continuously over the past few decades, be it due to fear over warnings of global warming or because of the depletion of fossil fuels [2, 3]. Much emphasis has been placed on renewable energy as a viable alternative to engine genera-
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