Key technology development needs and applicability analysis of renewable energy hybrid technologies in off-grid areas for the Rwanda power sector

Jean De Dieu Niyonteze,Fumin Zou,Godwin Norense Osarumwense Asemota,Samuel Bimenyimana,Gilbert Shyirambere

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03300

Abstract

Until recently, the Rwanda power sector increased rapidly to double the 2010 installed capacity. The energy consumption in Rwanda experienced a steady rise correspondingly with the population and modern socio-economic life. Consequently, Rwanda household access to electricity increased to 53% by September 2019. Not only does 47% of Rwanda's population lack electricity access, there are persistent power failures and the grid is also unstable. Using renewable energy hybrid technologies in off-grid areas might be a solution to this problem. However, the high cost of renewable energy hybrid systems has led to its slow adoption in many developing countries. Hence, it is important to find the most appropriate hybrid combinations that reduce energy cost and access electricity generation that maximizes the available renewable energy resources. This paper examines some new technology development needs related to the power sector in Rwanda. Secondly, four different 100% renewable energy hybrid systems were designed and simulated to support rural and remote areas considering an average load demand of 158.1 kWh/day with a peak load of 18 kW. The hybrid systems simulation and optimization were obtained using HOMER (hybrid optimization model for electric renewables) software. The input data were obtained from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for solar and wind resources, and hydro resources were from real-time field data for selected study site. The simulation results indicate hydro/solar/battery hybrid is the most cost-effective and environmentally viable alternative for off-grid rural electrification because of low net present cost (NPC) and least greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed hybrid combination could apply to other rural areas in the region and elsewhere in the world especially where climate conditions are similar.

Highlights

Rwanda is an East African country enclosed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the west, Tanzania in the east, Uganda in the north, and Burundi in the south
The simulation results show that the combination of hydro/solar/battery is the best solution to the off-grid system which can be used in remote areas
As the country targets to achieve reliable energy access for all, the selected hybrid energy system might be the solution to rural electrification, mitigate climate change impacts, and lower carbon footprint development

Summary

Introduction

Rwanda is an East African country enclosed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the west, Tanzania in the east, Uganda in the north, and Burundi in the south. Its undulating hills and lush landscape enable it to accommodate an estimated 12.2 million population (2017) in an area of 26,338 square kilometres (Km2). It is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa [1, 2]. The energy sector input is a stimulant and an incentive that enables the productive sector to significantly contribute to economic growth and development. This makes the government ensure and continuously strive to power Rwanda cities and villages with reliable, efficient and affordable power to improve living standards for all its population. Over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot access electricity [5]

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