Exploring Technically Feasible and Economically Viable Hybrid Renewable Energy Solution for Off-Grid Electricity Supply Titl

Omorogiuwa Eseosa,Ekiyor Martin Thompson

doi:10.21307/ijanmc-2021-012

Abstract

Abstract Solar energy as one of the many sources of renewable energy-based off-grid electricity supply is traditionally considered as an expensive and unreliable source of power. But as technology improves over the years, renewable energy sources are beginning to take the stage of modern energy divide. Based on the limited generation and distribution companies (GENCOs and DISCOs) grid electricity supply in Nigeria, it becomes pertinent to complement available grid power with renewable sources. The purpose of this study is to propose the best hybrid technology combination for electricity generation to reliably satisfy the electrical needs of an off-grid remote village, Ofubu, New Patani in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Solar PV systems and diesel generator are considered. The study estimates the day-to-day load demand Using HOMER software. Identification of the optimal off-grid option and comparison with conventional grid extension was carried out. The results obtained shows that hybrid combination of an PV-diesel is an effective alternative for an off-grid rural location and it is sustainable, techno-economically viable and environmentally friendly most especially considering the concept of green and clean energy source. The study also discussed issues that are likely to influence the realization of the optimal solution.

Highlights

Nigeria, a nation of over 180 million people on the African continent, endowed with both natural and human resources, lacks the capacity to generate electricity which is the bedrock of every developed civilization
The aim of this paper is to investigate the potentials of exploiting solar renewable energy source for electricity generation in Nigeria
Search for a technically feasible and economically viable hybrid solution for off-grid electricity supply to a remote village such as Ofubu, New Patani resulted in a least-cost combination of a small diesel generator, Solar PV (SPV) and batteries that can meet the demand in a dependable manner at a cost of N66.04/kWh

Summary

Introduction

A nation of over 180 million people on the African continent, endowed with both natural and human resources, lacks the capacity to generate electricity which is the bedrock of every developed civilization. For many years the country has been facing energy crisis that is hampering its economic development, which has a major impact on its ability to reduce poverty and achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Despite her huge natural resources, it is still one of the poorest countries in the world with an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of $2,758 (nominal) (IMF, 2016). The energy sector in the country totally rely on government partially subsidized fuel and funding of major energy plants and energy capital projects by the federal states and governments and its agencies

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Conclusion