Feasibility analysis of off-grid hybrid energy system for rural electrification in Northern Ghana
Feasibility analysis of off-grid hybrid energy system for rural electrification in Northern Ghana
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Date
2021
Authors
Albert, K. Awopone
Journal Title
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Publisher
Cogent Engineering
Abstract
This study examines the feasibility of a stand-alone photovoltaic, diesel
generator and battery storage hybrid power system for the electrification of off-grid
rural areas in northern Ghana. The HOMER software package was used for simula tion analysis. Five optimization scenarios considered feasible by HOMER were eval uated. The evaluation criteria include net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE)
and emissions. The results indicate that PV/diesel/battery storage hybrid system is
the most feasible, optimized, cost-effective and environmentally friendly system
among the systems considered. This system has a Cost of Energy (COE) of 0.399
$/kWh and an NPC of $296,552. Although this COE is approximately three times the
current energy cost in Ghana, sensitivity analysis shows that changing certain
parameters such as fuel costs, and capital subsidies can reduce COE. This shows
that if policymakers create the necessary investment environment, such projects
can be a viable alternative to rural electrification.
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Citation
Awopone, A. K. (2021). Feasibility analysis of off-grid hybrid energy system for rural electrification in Northern Ghana. Cogent Engineering, 8(1), 1981523.