Abstract
This paper considers the feasibility of developing Solar (photovoltaic)-Wind-Diesel hybrid power systems for supplying electricity to off-grid rural communities in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Using wind resource assessment and solar potential-based data from the National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia, a case study of three sites in Tigray is presented – Serawet (645 households), Feleg Daero (338 households) and Adi Mesanu (55 households) – which typify, respectively, large, medium and small off-grid communities. The energy demand was determined through a field survey and previous historical data of similar villages electrified through grid extension. The Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) was used to simulate and generate feasible solution through combinations of photovoltaic, Wind Turbines and Diesel Generators with a minimum levelised cost of electricity. The simulations indicate that a hybrid system option, compared to a diesel only system, is feasible for each of the three villages.
Highlights
In most developing countries electrifying rural households by extending the main grid is a major challenge due to economic and technical reasons
Like many other parts of the country the Northern part of Ethiopia is characterized by low electrification rate in rural areas, dependence on fuel wood and dung for cooking
Kerosene is widely used in wick lamps and hurricane lamps in areas where there is no access to electricity
Summary
In most developing countries electrifying rural households by extending the main grid is a major challenge due to economic and technical reasons. There is a need to find other methods of supplying electricity to rural households. Of electricity to rural communities will have significant impact on preventing problems associated with deforestation, environmental effects and contributing towards sustainable development. Like several other developing countries, Ethiopia is characterized by dependence on traditional biomass and most significantly, severe modern energy shortage in rural areas where more than. 80% of the population of the country lives. Access to electricity is one of the lowest in Africa. Despite current efforts to increase access, many communities will not be reached for some years to come. Ethiopia is one of the countries endowed with renewable energy
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