Enhance Energy Access Research Articles

Exploring the complex interplay of green finance, business cycles, and energy development

Green finance has emerged as a contemporary mechanism to support investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure projects. This study aims to provide empirical insights into the asymmetric influence of green finance and business cycle fluctuations on energy development in 60 developing countries from 2000 to 2021. Four aspects of energy development, including energy access, stability, efficiency, and production gap, are examined using panel quantile regression with additive fixed effects. The research findings demonstrate that green finance plays a significant role in fostering energy development, with varying effects across different quantiles of the distribution. Specifically, the results indicate that green finance supports energy access and stability, particularly during economic recession, low-income levels, and limited technological advancement. However, the impact of green finance on energy efficiency exhibits notable heterogeneity, contingent upon technological and periods of economic expansion. Achieving tangible improvements in energy efficiency necessitates a certain level of technological and economic development. Moreover, green finance shows a capacity to maintain an optimal level of energy production, particularly evident during economic expansion and for highly technologically developed countries. The impact of business cycle fluctuations varies across different quantile distributions of energy development indicators, predominantly exerting an inhibitory effect of economic recession. In light of these results, it is recommended that policies in developing countries be revised to enhance energy access, optimize energy production levels, and promote the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy in conjunction with green finance initiatives.

Dynamic Simulation and Optimization of Off-Grid Hybrid Power Systems for Sustainable Rural Development

This paper analyzes dynamic modeling for rural HPS to address GHG emissions’ environmental impact on floods and climate change. The aim is to integrate renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, with traditional generators to mitigate emissions and enhance energy access in rural communities in Pakistan. The system is designed using a DC-DC converter, MPPT, LCL filter, and a DC-AC inverter. Utilizing software tools like PVsyst 7.4 and HOMER Pro-3.18.1, the study evaluates system sizing, energy consumption patterns, and optimization strategies tailored to site-specific data. The expected results include a reliable, environmentally friendly hybrid power system capable of providing consistent electricity to rural areas. The analysis of a connected load of 137.48 kWh/d and a peak load of 33.54 kW demonstrates the system’s promise for reliable electricity with minimal environmental impact. The estimated capital cost of USD 102,310 and energy generation at USD 0.158 per unit underscores economic feasibility. Dynamic modeling and validation using HIL examine the system’s behavior in response to variations in solar irradiance and temperature, offering insights into operational efficiency and reliability. The study concludes that the hybrid power system is scalable for rural energy access, which is a practical solution achieving a 100% renewable energy fraction, significantly contributing to emission reduction and promoting sustainable energy practices.

A critical evaluation of DC microgrid implementation in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

This study thoroughly investigates the potential of direct current (DC) microgrids to enhance electricity access in rural and remote areas of Indonesia that continue to face significant obstacles despite ongoing national electrification efforts. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research comprehensively evaluates socio-economic and technical factors that influence the adoption of DC microgrids. The results indicate that DC microgrids offer significant potential for enhancing energy access, reliability, and sustainability, particularly when combined with renewable energy sources. This aligns with Indonesia’s move towards renewable energy. Nevertheless, the analysis identifies significant obstacles, such as the substantial initial investment, the requirement for complete regulatory frameworks, and the technological complexities that need to be conquered. In conclusion, DC microgrids present a promising solution for rural electrification. However, the implementation requires a strategy that emphasizes strategic investments, policy innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. This research significantly contributes to the study of sustainable energy by evaluating the criticality of integrating policies and technology for implementing DC microgrids as a key factor in achieving sustainable energy access in Indonesia.

Energy-Efficient Storage System Optimization and Recent Trends in Enhancing Energy Management and Access Microgrid: A Review

Energy is a vital component of our everyday lives, driving advancements in human development, economic expansion, and efficiency. Implementing sustainable energy storage systems is an economically viable approach to improving energy efficiency and regulating the generation and consumption of power. This study extensively examines energy storage, delving into several techniques, their practical uses, and the most recent progress. It focuses on environmentally sustainable alternatives for the electricity sector, including batteries, flywheels, thermal storage, and pumped hydro storage. The influence of includes compelling case examples, such as using vanadium redox flow batteries in maritime hybrid propulsion systems and advancing portable hydrogen energy storage devices. The results are encouraging, indicating that these technologies have the potential to be adequate replacements for traditional fuel sources, particularly in isolated areas where there is a critical requirement for energy storage. Moreover, this study thoroughly examines the integration options for energy storage in microgrids. It explores the complex aspects of the models, assessment indices, and optimization methods used in designing energy storage systems. This paper explores the capabilities of software used to determine the optimal size for energy storage systems. Furthermore, this study introduces and examines uncertainty analysis in modeling energy storage devices. This state-of-the-art technology has been created to demonstrate the effectiveness of energy storage systems in microgrids, providing crucial data for future progress in the industry.

Maximizing Solar Integration: Enhancing Off-grid Rural Energy Storage in Zambia

Energy stands as an indispensable aspect of contemporary human life. This study endeavours to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of photovoltaics (PV) for sustainable electricity supply in Africa, with a particular focus on Zambia. The primary objectives include assessing the current state of PV integration, identifying key obstacles, and highlighting potential applications in critical areas such as irrigation, rural electrification, and water heating. Drawing upon the latest research on PV in Africa, this study synthesizes information from the top ten most cited studies, with a specific emphasis on the complexities involved in large-scale PV integration. The research design entails a comprehensive review of technical aspects such as storage and bifacial modules, providing insights into the challenges faced in optimizing PV systems. The study primarily centres on Zambia, a country endowed with significant solar potential. Through case studies, it demonstrates the feasibility of employing PV for vital applications such as irrigation and rural electrification. The timeframe encompasses recent years, reflecting the dynamic nature of PV research and implementation. To evaluate the advantages and obstacles of PV adoption, a multifaceted approach is employed. This includes examining the potential of PV in specific applications, analyzing electrification rates in Zambian urban and rural areas (57% and 13% respectively), and identifying barriers such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of training. Additionally, thermal systems are considered, emphasizing both untapped potential and the limitations of solar cookers. The study incorporates interviews conducted in Lwangwa Village to gather firsthand perspectives on the use and necessity of energy. Furthermore, data from previous literature is utilized to compile valuable insights into the demand for clean energy in Zambia. Key findings underscore the untapped potential of PV in Zambia, highlighting its capacity to enhance energy access and reduce emissions. However, significant challenges exist, necessitating targeted policies, financial mechanisms, and community engagement to foster widespread adoption. Addressing infrastructure limitations, maintenance needs, costs, and social factors is essential to fully realize the benefits of PV implementation. Zambia's abundant solar resources present a promising pathway towards sustainable energy. However, strategic planning and support are imperative for successful PV integration. Future research endeavors should focus on investigating specific challenges arising from clean energy adoption, including potential health effects and negative impacts, to further advance sustainable energy initiatives.

Unveiling energy security in agriculture through vital indicators extraction and insights

Despite advancements in meeting various human needs, energy supply remains a top priority for all countries worldwide. The escalating energy consumption in the agricultural sector underscores the necessity to scrutinize its energy usage. Presently, there exists an absence of a precise tool for accurately measuring this consumption. Hence, this study aims to identify indicators for measuring energy security in agriculture, conducted in three phases: content analysis, indicator validation, and field investigation. In the content analysis phase, energy security indicators were extracted and grouped into four categories: accessibility, availability, utilization, and sustainability. Following this, a two-stage validation process led to the identification of 18 indicators for assessing energy security in agriculture. In the field phase, a tailored questionnaire was distributed to 160 randomly selected farmers. The findings revealed that the availability component held the highest rank in establishing energy security, with an average score of 3.31. However, the current status of the access component indicates a more unfavorable situation compared to other dimensions. Consequently, to achieve energy security in agriculture, particular emphasis should be placed on enhancing energy access. Key areas to address include reducing transportation costs and minimizing the use of chemical pesticides. This indicates a necessity for focused interventions aimed at improving both energy access and sustainability within the agricultural sector. These efforts would contribute to enhancing economic efficiency and promoting environmental conservation.

Penerapan Energi Terbarukan sebagai Sumber Energi Masyarakat Nelayan Lam Awe Aceh Besar

This report describes efforts to implement renewable energy technologies as a solution to meet the energy needs of the fishing community in Lam Awe, Aceh Besar. A community engagement approach was used to integrate renewable energy technologies into the daily lives of the fishing community. The study includes the process of identifying community needs, selecting appropriate technologies, and implementing renewable energy solutions. Research methods included participatory surveys, training sessions, and mentoring to ensure active participation and deep understanding from the local community. The results indicate that the implementation of renewable energy can enhance energy access, reduce operational costs, and support environmental sustainability in coastal areas. This report contributes to the context of sustainable technology application for fishing communities, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academics, practitioners, and communities in developing sustainable energy solutions.

DATA-DRIVEN ENERGY MANAGEMENT: REVIEW OF PRACTICES IN CANADA, USA, AND AFRICA

This research explores data-driven energy management practices in Canada, the USA, and Africa, offering a comparative analysis of successes, challenges, and future implications. Integrating smart grid technologies and supportive regulatory frameworks in North America has driven efficiency gains and sustainability. Conversely, Africa faces unique challenges, including infrastructural limitations, yet showcases localized successes in enhancing energy access. Lessons learned emphasize stakeholder collaboration and adaptable regulatory frameworks, providing valuable insights for global energy strategies. The study identifies gaps in technological infrastructure and recommends collaborative, context-specific solutions. As the global community moves towards sustainable energy futures, these findings contribute to a nuanced understanding, guiding policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in shaping resilient and inclusive energy systems.
 Keywords: Data-Driven Energy Management, Comparative Analysis, Sustainability, Global Energy Landscape.

Efficient integration of photo voltaic and hydro energy technologies for sustainable power generation in rural areas: A case study

This research aims to provide an efficient and cost-effective renewable energy supply. It assesses the potential for photovoltaic (PV) and hydro energy in Pirthala, Haryana, India, using HOMER Pro® v3.14.2. A Hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) can continuously power 855 homes. The optimal HRES configuration comprises well-optimized PV modules, hydro turbines, converters, and batteries. The top four configurations were selected based on criteria such as net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy production (COE). The most effective HRES configuration involves a 3461-kW solar array, a 98.1 kW hydro turbine, 304 lithium-ion batteries of 100 kWh, and a 2785-kW converter, achieving a 100 % integration of renewable energy. This ideal HRES was thoroughly assessed regarding economic, technical, and renewable energy considerations. The results and the optimized HRES configuration can serve as a valuable reference for similar initiatives in rural areas, contributing to adopting renewable energy sources and enhancing energy access and reliability.

Applications of Energy Storage Systems in Enhancing Energy Management and Access in Microgrids: A Review

As the world’s population continues to grow and the demand for energy increases, there is an urgent need for sustainable and efficient energy systems. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, have the potential to play a significant role in meeting this demand, but their intermittency can make integration into existing energy systems a challenge. Moreover, the development of sustainable energy systems has become even more critical in recent years, due to a confluence of events, including the decline in fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in fuel prices has led to a decline in investment in renewable energy and has slowed the transition to sustainable energy systems. Additionally, geopolitical conflicts and pandemics have highlighted the need for resilient and self-sufficient energy systems that can operate independently of external factors. Also, energy storage technologies play a critical role in achieving this goal by providing reliable backup power and enabling microgrids to operate independently of the larger power grid. As such, developing efficient and effective energy storage technologies is essential for creating sustainable energy systems that can meet the demands of modern society while mitigating the impact of external factors. In this regard, this work provides an overview of microgrids’ latest energy storage technologies, including their applications, types, integration strategies, optimization algorithms, software, and uncertainty analysis. Energy storage technologies have a wide range of applications in microgrids, including providing backup power and balancing the supply and demand of energy. Different energy storage techniques have been discussed, including batteries, flywheels, supercapacitors, pumped hydro energy storage, and others. Moreover, integration strategies of energy storage in microgrids, models, assessment indices, and optimization algorithms used in the design of energy storage systems are presented in detail. The capabilities of software used in energy storage sizing are explored. Further, uncertainty analysis in modeling energy storage devices is presented and discussed. This state-of-the-art technology has been prepared to demonstrate the effectiveness of energy storage technologies in microgrids, providing valuable insights for future developments in the field.

THE POTENTIAL, BARRIERS. AND STRATEGIES TO UPSCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY ADOPTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: NIGERIA AS A CASE STUDY

Renewable energy plays a crucial role in sustainable development strategies, especially for developing countries like Nigeria that face energy challenges. This paper explores how deploying renewable energy in Nigeria can contribute to meeting the country's energy needs, drive economic growth, and support to achieve Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goal. As Africa's most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria depends heavily on fossil fuels for its energy needs despite having abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. Harnessing renewable energy in Nigeria offers numerous benefits. First, renewable energy offers a pathway to diversify Nigeria's energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. Second, deploying renewable energy can stimulate economic growth by attracting investment, fostering local entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities. Third, transitioning to renewable energy sources helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate environmental issues associated with traditional energy sources. However, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of renewable energy in Nigeria. These challenges include policy and regulatory barriers, limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of technical capacity. Overcoming these obstacles requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy reforms, financial incentives, infrastructure development, capacity building, and fostering public-private partnerships. By drawing insights from successful renewable energy projects and initiatives in other developing countries, Nigeria can develop tailored strategies to effectively harness its renewable energy potential. The application of these strategies offers Nigeria an opportunity to achieve its sustainable development goals, enhance energy access, and promote prosperity. Achieving these goals will also require collaboration from government, industry stakeholders, and civil society. Keywords: Renewable energy, strategy, Developing countries, Nigeria, Case study.

Techno-Economic Optimization of Mini-Grid Systems in Nigeria: A Case Study of a PV–Battery–Diesel Hybrid System

This paper presents a feasibility analysis of the technical, environmental, and economic sustainability of an existing mini-grid technology system in Nigeria. The study investigates the cost and other operational parameters of the Gbamu-Gbamu solar–battery–diesel hybrid mini-grid, specifically the 85 kWp solar PV installation in the Ijebu East Local Government area of Ogun state. Situated within the Owo forest in South-West Nigeria, the mini-grid aims to reduce the effects of global warming and promote sustainable technological development in rural communities by increasing energy access through renewable sources. To assess the system’s viability, this research utilized RETScreen Expert software to validate the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of the installed mini-grid solar–PV–battery–diesel system in the region. Climatic data for the study were obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The results demonstrate that the system is economically feasible and environmentally viable, as indicated by the positive net present value (NPV) and an average monthly irradiance of 4.78 kW/h/m2. Furthermore, the system achieved a 92.9% reduction in GHG emissions, provided a reasonable payback period of four years, and enabled a yearly electricity export of 203 MWh. These findings highlight the system’s potential to enhance energy access and mitigate climate change.

Can remittances alleviate energy poverty in developing countries? New evidence from panel data

Universal energy access in developing countries is a key ingredient to achieve sustainable economic growth and social welfare. Therefore, it is of paramount importance for policymakers to identify potential new factors to mitigate energy poverty. In this study, we investigate the effects of workers' remittances on energy poverty in 109 developing countries from 2000 to 2019 using panel fixed and random effects as well as the system generalized method of moment and Lewbel (2012) estimators to address potential endogeneity problems. We demonstrate that remittances can be effectively used to alleviate energy poverty in low and middle-income countries. Moreover, we find that income poverty, human development, institutional quality, and income inequality are important mediating channels through which remittances affect energy poverty. Our results also indicate that improved financial development and increased urbanization tend to enhance energy access. Based on our findings, several recommendations are provided to governments and policymakers for achieving sustainable development goal target 7.1, which aims to guarantee affordable, reliable, and modern energy services for all.

Multi-objective multi-verse optimization of renewable energy sources-based micro-grid system: Real case

Hybrid micro-grid systems (HMGS) are small scale power system where the energy sources are installed to supply local customers. These systems may be considered as promising energy solution to meet the increased in energy demand and traditional sources depletion. Cost of electricity, system reliability, and environmental impacts of the system are three design criteria that must be considered in obtaining the accurate parameters of hybrid renewable energy system components. In this paper, hybrid micro-grid renewable energy system includes photovoltaic system, (PV) wind energy system, (WES) battery bank, (BB) and conventional diesel generator (DG) are proposed to meet the energy requirements in remote area, located in Red Sea called city of Bernice, Egypt, at 23° 54′ 31″ N, 35° 28′ 21″ E. Optimization of Cost of Electricity (COE), Renewable Factor (RF), and Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) are main objective of the designing process of the hybrid system considered as the objective functions. Then, Multi-objective multi-verse optimization (MOMVO) algorithm is used with considering two scenarios, the first one is renewable sources and the second is renewable/diesel energy source. All the possible HMGS configurations namely: PV/battery, wind/battery, PV/wind/battery and PV/battery/diesel, wind/battery/diesel, PV/wind/battery/diesel are studied and analyzed. Moreover, one year hourly meteorological weather data for case study are recorded. Reverse osmosis desalination (ROD) is considered in conjunction with the residential load. The proposed power management strategy is used to manage the system operation when supplying the load. A linear fuzzy membership function is used for purpose of decision making. The simulation results show that MOMVO produces appropriate components size and the PV/wind/battery/diesel is the optimum configuration with values of COE = 0.2720$/KWh, LPSP = 0.1397, and RF = 92.37% at w 1 = 0.5, w 2 = 0.3, and w 3 = 0.2. Sensitivity analysis is performed to show the effect of changing system parameters on the objective functions. It is also shown that the techno-economic feasibility of using HMGS for rural electrification systems and enhance energy access.

Shared energy parks as a solution to energy challenges for Dadaab Refugee Camps in Kenya

The dire need for new cutting-edge approaches for humanitarian support especially in refugee camps is vividly indisputable today. Efficient, economic, and reliable techniques perfectly deployed and amalgamated should minimize most of the potentially dissenting social impacts of necessitous refugee camp infrastructure engineering. This paper examines the current energy situation in Daadab Refugee Camps (DRCs), it identifies the main energy usages in the refugee camp.A long-term vision to support effective growth in renewable energy is paramount to safeguard the effective use of available energy resources by refugees. A hybrid energy approach such as LPG and solar can be applied successfully in DRCs where grid connections are unreliable, not available, or considered uneconomical. The paper's concentration on cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the intervention and the key factors affecting the energy consumption in the camps. The intervention focuses on enhancing energy access in DRC. The analysis of the shared energy parks indicates that the energy park will have a net benefit of US$6,662,608 at a 5% discounted rate with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.256 an indication that the intervention is economically feasible. The paper concludes with a discussion of the shared energy parks by looking at the scalability of the intervention.

Energy access and foreign direct investment in an emerging market: the Ghanaian perspective

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of energy access on foreign direct investment (FDI) in an emerging market. Design/methodology/approach The study uses the two-stage least square instrumental variables estimation approach to compute the parameters of the model to account for any potential endogeneity and time persistence in energy access. Findings The results show that energy access significantly influences FDI inflows in Ghana. The results of the study also revealed that natural resources and macroeconomic variables such as real interest rate, gross domestic product growth rate are significant determinants of FDI inflows in Ghana. Practical implications The practical implication of this study is that there is a need for energy sector policy reforms in Ghana that would guarantee a secured and continued supply of energy to enhance energy access to boost FDI. Ghana should aim for a cost-effective, stable and environmentally friendly source of energy as an alternative to hydro energy as the main source of its power generation to promote FDI. Also, Ghana should initiate and implement policies aimed at creating an enabling and stable macroeconomic environment, as macroeconomic factors in this study are found to be drivers of FDI. Originality/value This study provides firsthand information on energy access and FDI from the Ghanaian perspective.

Enhancing Sustainable Development and Regional Integration through Electrification by Solar Power: The Case of Six East African States

The need to enhance energy access has led to the growing recognition of renewable energy sources in sustainable regional development. However, solar power, one of the less polluting renewable energy sources, continues to receive little attention in some developing countries seeking balanced development. Through a review of the literature, this paper examines the need for regional electrification by solar power and suggests measures to integrate regional energy policies and processes for balanced development. The authors find that there are many social, economic, and environmental benefits associated with using solar power. For instance, solar energy creates employment opportunities, reduces a country’s foreign dependence, improves freedom of choice, improves a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and human development index (HDI), and is associated with improved environmental conservation. The region of East Africa is keen to reap these sustainable development gains through solar power electrification. The establishment of the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency constitutes an important melting pot for diverse renewable energy policies, in addition to confirming a commitment to solar power deployment. Moreover, some East African Community (EAC) states appear to be progressing faster towards regional solar power projects, while other states are lagging due to complex contextual challenges. However, the overall contribution of solar power to sustainable development remains low, as individual states appear to be focused on developing their national solar power projects. Nonetheless, there is great hope for regional development through shared solar power development if EAC states implement a number of regulatory and voluntary interventions.

Multiobjective Sizing of an Autonomous Hybrid Microgrid Using a Multimodal Delayed PSO Algorithm: A Case Study of a Fishing Village.

Renewable energy (RE) systems play a key role in producing electricity worldwide. The integration of RE systems is carried out in a distributed aspect via an autonomous hybrid microgrid (A-HMG) system. The A-HMG concept provides a series of technological solutions that must be managed optimally. As a solution, this paper focuses on the application of a recent nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithm named a multimodal delayed particle swarm optimization (MDPSO). The proposed algorithm is applied to an A-HMG to find the minimum levelized cost of energy (LCOE), the lowest loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and the maximum renewable factor (REF). Firstly, a smart energy management scheme (SEMS) is proposed to coordinate the power flow among the various system components that formed the A-HMG. Then, the MDPSO is integrated with the SEMS to perform the optimal sizing for the A-HMG of a fishing village that is located in the coastal city of Essaouira, Morocco. The proposed A-HMG comprises photovoltaic panels (PV), wind turbines (WTs), battery storage systems, and diesel generators (DGs). The results of the optimization in this location show that A-HMG system can be applied for this location with a high renewable factor that is equal to 90%. Moreover, the solution is very promising in terms of the LCOE and the LPSP indexes that are equal to 0.17$/kWh and 0.12%, respectively. Therefore, using renewable energy can be considered as a good alternative to enhance energy access in remote areas as the fishing village in the city of Essaouira, Morocco. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is applied to highlight the impact of varying each energy source in terms of the LCOE index.

Multinational life satisfaction, perceived inequality and energy affordability

We analyse subjective experiences of energy poverty to address the limitations of existing observable indicators as evidence for policy. We investigate the linkage between self-reported energy affordability and life satisfaction, health and economic inequality. A large-scale survey of 100,956 respondents across 37 nations shows that energy affordability concerns individuals in both developing and developed nations. Self-reported (perceived) values do not necessarily follow previous research and vary according to regional, economic, development and cultural factors. Contrasting this evidence with national-level data, such as healthy life expectancy and government spending on health and welfare, we identify associations between self-reported outcomes, income levels and national policy. Although national welfare spending can reduce the perceived economic gap, high income is not necessarily associated with better perceived satisfaction, health or economic outcomes. Enhancing energy access may lead to improved health outcomes in the most marginalized nations; however, lifestyle and cultural factors also play a role. Although the outcomes of less-developed nations can likely improve through development aid from more-developed nations, our results show that cultural and other factors underpin satisfaction in developing nations, which experience comparatively poorer life satisfaction. We identified that some nations had superior outcomes for health and life satisfaction despite lower income levels. This highlights the need for further research to uncover non-income-based factors that underlie life satisfaction and health, such as community connectedness or familial factors. A large multinational survey of perceived energy affordability shows that it concerns individuals regardless of the countries’ level of income, although some patterns also related to regional, economic and cultural factors.

Optimal Techno-Economic Design of Standalone Hybrid Renewable Energy System Using Genetic Algorithm

This paper presents a methodology to size Standalone Hybrid Renewable Energy System (SHRES) which combines solar PV, wind turbine (WT) and battery energy storage (BES) for application in rural areas. These sources are integrated via an AC bus to support the load demand. SHRES is simulated under varying load demand, solar radiation, temperature and wind speed obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department. A Multi-objective Optimization using Non-dominate Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) was utilized to determine the best sizing of PV / wind turbine / battery, and minimize Cost of Energy (COE) and Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP). The results show that the NSGAII optimization of the model is able to determine the best techno-economic sizing for the suggested location. For the case study, the optimum COE was 0.1099 (USD/kWh) and LPSP was 0.0865. The proposed tool can be used to size the SHRES for rural electrification and enhance energy access within remote locations.