Assessment of Resource Potential and Feasibility Study of Standalone PV-Wind-Biogas Hybrid System for Rural Electrification

Abstract

Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation utility company uses extension of grids and installation of diesel generators as an option for the electrification of rural villages. Despite the tremendous efforts exhibited during the past few years, there are still exceedingly many people without access to electricity services. Grid extension to rural areas is either financially not viable or practically not feasible as these locations are geographically isolated and have a very low power demand in the country. The use of diesel generators has also harmful effect on the environment in addition to their higher cost of fuel, maintenance and operation. Consequently, rural areas are dependent on local solutions for electricity supply. However, the Adama area has renewable energy resources, such as Wind, Solar and Biogas with the capability of providing the needed power demand without requiring the extension of the national grid. In this study, assessment of resource potential and feasibility study of PV-Wind-Biogas hybrid system with battery storage as a backup is studied to electrify the village in Adama rural area. Electric load estimation for the basic needs of the community are considered. The hybrid energy system optimized by HOMER is cost effective to electrifying the village.