Overview of fossil fuel-based hybrid power generation systems within mini-grids – The experience of storage-less PV system integration into three of the Great Algerian South mini-grids

Abstract

Electricity is essential in modern life, yet almost one billion people in the world, living mainly in rural and remote areas, do not have access to it. Thus, local mini-grids deployment seems to be an attractive solution for scaling up access to electricity in these areas far from the main grid. The currently implemented mini-grids worldwide rely almost entirely on fossil fuel-based Power Generation Systems (PGSs). However, the high operational expenditure and the harmful impact on the environment associated with the use of these sources are increasingly inciting countries to promote the Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) integration into those power generation systems for a more sustainable and more extended electricity supply.In this context, the paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the Hybrid Power Generation System (HPGS) concept application for mini-grids as well as a novel survey that analyses feedbacks from centralized PV system integration into existing fossil fuel-based PGSs achieved projects worldwide. Then, recent key figures of the Great Algerian South mini-grids and the experience of storage-less PV capacities integration into the fossil fuel-based PGSs feeding three of them are for the first time introduced. The analysis of the 2019-year operation data of the HPGSs thus formed reveals the positive outcomes retrieved from this first experience in terms of fuel saving and CO2 emissions reduction despite the proven low PV penetration level. Given the high solar PV energy potential characterizing the Great Algerian South localities, the performed overview and experiences assessment may provide an incentive for decision makers to pursue undertaking such hybridization projects and to prospect additional options that may increase the achievable PV penetration levels and thus further reduce the dependency of those localities on costly and polluting fossil fuel sources. Hence, the findings of this study will hopefully be beneficial to other mini-grid cases for either new construction or retrofitting projects.