Theoretical Framework: The electrification of isolated communities, such as the Lago do Cuniã Extractive Reserve in Rondônia, requires sustainable energy solutions that promote social development. Although studies of renewable hybrid systems focus on economic optimization, there is a gap in the literature on their impacts on social indicators such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and job creation. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the social effects of a hybrid energy system in the Brazilian Amazon. Method: An exploratory-descriptive, quantitative study was conducted to design a hybrid energy generation system for the community of Lago do Cuniã. The iHOGA software was used for energy simulations and NASA POWER for solar resource analysis. The proposed system integrates solar panels, diesel generators, batteries, an electrolyzer, an inverter, and a fuel cell. The methodology included energy resource assessment, component optimization, and calculation of the HDI and jobs generated. The employability analysis considered references from the literature (Lujano-Rojas et al., 2016; Rojas-Zerpa and Yusta, 2015). The HDI was calculated for a population of 400 people based on energy demand. Results and Discussion: The simulations indicated that the diesel generator had the greatest impact on job creation. However, a 75% increase in the community's energy demand, attributed to income growth and equipment acquisition, raised the HDI from 0.46 to 0.52 (an increase of 0.06). The optimized hybrid system produced 112,997 MWh/year. Replacing 3.84 MWh/year of diesel energy with solar energy would result in a reduction of approximately 5.36 tons of CO₂ per year (52.3%) and annual savings of about US$ 39,223. Research Implications: This study demonstrates that optimizing hybrid systems with a priority on renewable energy can increase the economic attractiveness of the project and boost human development by reducing the use of fossil fuels. The findings are crucial for planning sustainable rural electrification and promoting balanced local development. Originality/Value: The originality lies in the assessment of the impacts of a hybrid energy system on social (employability and HDI) and environmental (CO₂ reduction) indices in an isolated community in the Amazon, a topic that has been little explored in the literature. The comparative analysis of scenarios and the quantification of social and economic benefits add practical and theoretical value to the field.
Read full abstract- All Solutions
Editage
One platform for all researcher needs
Paperpal
AI-powered academic writing assistant
R Discovery
Your #1 AI companion for literature search
Mind the Graph
AI tool for graphics, illustrations, and artwork
Journal finder
AI-powered journal recommender
Unlock unlimited use of all AI tools with the Editage Plus membership.
Explore Editage Plus - Support
Overview
2638 Articles
Published in last 50 years
Articles published on Hybrid Energy System
Authors
Select Authors
Journals
Select Journals
Duration
Select Duration
2460 Search results
Sort by Recency