Optimising Solar-Biomass Hybrid Energy Systems for Sustainable Rural Electrification

Abstract

Off-grid hybrid microgrids, which integrate multiple energy sources based on resource availability and economic or environmental considerations, are gaining attention as an alternative to unreliable conventional power systems. This study explores the feasibility of combining photovoltaic (PV) and biomass energy to develop a sustainable hybrid renewable energy system (HRES). Using HOMER Pro v3.14.5, the system is designed to meet the energy demand of a rural community with an estimated load of 264,781 kWh, solar radiation of 5.3785 kWh/m²/day, and biomass availability of 8 tonnes/day. The proposed HRES consists of a 733.23 kW PV module with a 177% penetration rate, an 800 kW biomass generator producing 69,508 kWh annually, a 482.49 kW converter, and two battery storage options (ABB-P3 and ABB-M1). Five system configurations were evaluated based on key performance metrics, including renewable fraction (RF), initial capital cost (ICC), net present cost (NPC), operating cost (OC), and cost of energy (COE). The ABB-M1 storage system was identified as the most viable, with an NPC of $1.97 million, a COE of $0.046677, CO₂ emissions of 4.72 kg/h, and a 100% renewable fraction. This approach offers a scalable and cleaner energy solution for rural electrification, demonstrating the potential of hybrid renewable systems to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions in off-grid areas.