Abstract
Decentralized power generation, from renewables, is an attractive option for the future energy transition. Through a case study, the techno-economic feasibility to produce own power from distributed renewable to de-carbonize the operations of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) was critically analysed. The case study was performed on one of the leading printing outfits of Sri Lanka. Solar photovoltaic (PV) and biomass gasification systems are the most cost-efficient and easy to operate technologies for grid-connected, small-scale power generation, at present, for the context. Grid integration has been found as a major challenge, in both technical and economic parameters of the project. The low capacity factor of solar PV and complexity of the supply chain for biomass power systems are critical to the respective technologies. A hybrid Solar PV-Biomass gasification power plant would have superior techno-economic performances with lower environmental impact than stand-alone systems. An equal share of the net power capacity between the technologies was obtained as the most suitable combination for the proposed hybrid power plant. A net carbon dioxide reduction of more than eighty percent of the operations of the SMEs is feasible. Socio-political factors also have a high impact on overall viability of such small-scale systems.
Highlights
Technological progress, along with human development is leading to an increasing consumption and demand of energy [1]
A payback period of around five years with a project internal rate of return (IRR) of over 10% was considered for the economic feasibility of such small-scale projects
It needs to be mentioned here that due to the complicacy of the biomass supply, as discussed in the previous sections, a lower capacity factor of 50% was assumed for the 1.5 MW system
Summary
Technological progress, along with human development is leading to an increasing consumption and demand of energy [1]. Technological challenges and cost-competitiveness of renewable energy-based power production, both with respect to grid integrated and off-grid systems, are major challenges, especially in developing countries. Lack of adequate technical knowledge, especially for the development of small-scale power generation systems often lead to poor system design resulting in economic failure. A strong technological framework and support, together with national and international financial strategies like subsidies, public funds and innovative policies are crucial as well for the development of distributed renewable power generation units. In the present case study, the techno-economic feasibility of an offsite, smallscale grid integrated renewable power generation system for own energy needs by SMEs was studied considering multiple perspectives technology availability, economic feasibility, as well as social, environmental and policy implications
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