Techno-economic and Environmental Analysis of Hybrid Energy Systems for Rural Areas: A Case Study in Sudan
摘要
Hybrid energy systems provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for remote communities in situations where grid expansion is not economically viable. This study evaluates the techno-economic and environmental performance of hybrid energy systems (HESs) in the unelectrified Diri Village, South Darfur, Sudan. Six system designs were assessed using HOMER Pro software, which integrated conventional resources, mainly diesel, with renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, alongside a battery storage solution. The hybrid system comprising a diesel generator, solar photovoltaic panels, a wind turbine, and battery storage exhibited optimal cost-effectiveness, with a total net present cost (NPC) of 1.27 million and an LCOE of 13.1 ¢/kWh. Additionally, it generated minimal levels of unutilized energy at 24.5%, with corresponding annual CO2 emissions of 32.75 tons. The wind battery storage configuration emerged as the costliest alternative, with a net present cost (NPC) of 2.76 million US dollars and an LCOE of 28.5 ¢/kWh, while attaining zero direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation. The sensitivity analysis revealed a notable reduction in energy costs, by 4.1 ¢/kWh, when the discount rate was lowered from the baseline of 10% to 4%. This suggests that financial incentives, such as soft loans, can significantly enhance the economic viability of hybrid energy systems and expedite their deployment. The LCOE for utility diesel generators in Sudan is estimated at 22 ¢/kWh. The study identified a reduced LCOE of 13.1 ¢/kWh for the optimal hybrid energy system, demonstrating its cost-competitiveness relative to diesel-based alternatives.