Technically efficient, economic and environmentally benign hybrid decentralized energy solution for an Indian village: Multi criteria decision making approach

Abstract

Decentralized hybrid energy system is considered as one of the potential sustainable solutions for ongoing global energy transition. Optimization of decentralized hybrid energy systems for better sustainability is a complex problem. It involves multiple issues related to technical, economic and environmental performance. Techno-economic and environmental performance analyses are carried out for a decentralized integrated energy system. As multiple criteria may not simultaneously be the best for a specific combination, a multi criteria decision making approach may be adopted to decide a feasible optimum solution. A detailed methodology integrating techno-economic optimization, environmental impact assessment using Life cycle assessment and multi criteria decision making approach is demonstrated for a remote Indian village. The proposed methodology aims to bridge the gaps of simultaneously obtaining technically efficient, economic and environmentally benign sustainable energy solutions. The results show that though a combination of photovoltaic-wind-diesel generator-Lithium-ion yields the most economical solution for the village, a combination of photovoltaic-diesel generator-Lithium-ion causes the least environmental impacts. The second combination is technically efficient too. The multi criteria decision making approach recommends a combination of photovoltaic-diesel generator-Lithium-ion as the feasible optimum solution with a Cost of electricity $0.067/kWh, excess electricity 14.5%, an environmental impact lesser than 40.5–82%. The sensitivity of the solution is also evaluated using the ELECTRE method. Though the final solution may be site specific for best utilization of available local resources, this methodology is a generic one.