Optimum hybrid configurations for rural and remote power generation in different geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Babajide, Nathaniel; Acheampong, Theophilus; Menyeh, Bridget

Abstract

This study uses Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software to conduct techno-economic analysis and identify optimum hybrid system for power generation in rural (remote) areas across six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, ranging from arid to tropical vegetation. The study uses a typical village or remote community of 50 households, comprising 400-500 people with a community clinic, school, hall, and commercial centres alongside small-scale agro-processing units. Energy sources considered include small hydro (SHP), solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and diesel genset. Three core system performance indicators, namely, net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and renewable fraction (RF) are utilized to assess project feasibility. Sensitivity analysis of key parameters is also carried out to unravel the impact of their changes on overall system performance. The results suggest SHP-PV-generator setup as the optimal design (best hybrid system) for delivering the most affordable (cost-effective), accessible (off-grid) and acceptable (environmentally friendly) electricity supply to rural communities in the six zones. Furthermore, the PV-wind-SHP-generator, SHP-generator, wind-SHP-generator, PV-generator, PV-wind-generator (in that order) are also feasible solutions for implementation at the selected sites. Nonetheless, the last two options would require government incentives and support mechanisms to attract investors. The findings of this study provide feasible pathways on how governments in developing countries such as Nigeria can deploy cost-efficient energy technologies as part of their Renewable Energy Master Plans (REMPs) to provide rural electrification while reducing GHG emissions.

Citation

BABAJIDE, N., ACHEAMPONG, T. and MENYEH, B. 2023. Optimum hybrid configurations for rural and remote power generation in different geopolitical zones of Nigeria. [Prepint]. Hosted on SSRN [online]. Available from: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4992116

• Working Paper Type: Preprint
• Deposit Date: Oct 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 28, 2024
• Series Title: SSRN
• Series ISSN: 1556-5068
• Keywords: Hybrid system; HOMER software; SHP; Solar PV; Techno-economic analysis; SDG 7
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2541853
• Publisher URL: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4992116
• Related Public URLs: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2542563 (Poster presentation from 35th USAEE/IAEE North American conference 2017)
• Additional Information: This preprint had been submitted to "Academia Letters" which is no longer publishing articles and has stopped accepting submissions.