Optimization of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Sustainable Rural Electrification in Kwara State, Nigeria: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment

Abstract

Access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a major challenge for rural communities in Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State, where weak grid infrastructure and reliance on costly fossil fuels constrain socio-economic development. Despite abundant renewable resources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, these remain underutilized. This study designed and optimized Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) for three off-grid communities—Owode, Abe-Eya, and Ila-Oja Aboto—using a mixed-method approach that combined household energy surveys, field-based resource assessments, and techno-economic simulations. HOMER Pro (v3.14.2) was used to develop optimal hybrid configurations integrating solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and biomass systems, while RETScreen Expert evaluated financial and environmental performance. Results showed strong solar irradiance (~5.85 kWh/m²/day), moderate wind speeds (3.8–4.2 m/s) in Abe-Eya, and abundant biomass availability (1.5–2.2 tons per household per year) in Owode and Ila-Oja Aboto. The optimal configuration included 54 × 215 W PV modules, 2 × 1 kW wind turbines, 4 × 1 kW batteries, and 34 kVA converters, with installation costs of ₦22.32 million (Owode), ₦24.48 million (Abe-Eya), and ₦24.96 million (Ila-Oja Aboto), generating 25,754–31,643 kWh annually. Economic analysis indicated strong viability with NPV > ₦550 million, IRR of 142–158%, payback periods of 3.2–3.5 years, and benefit–cost ratios of 1.15–1.17. Greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 63–70%, from 6,000–7,500 kg CO₂/year to 613–959 kg CO₂/year. Sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness under ±25% cost variation. The study demonstrates that community-specific solar-biomass and solar-wind hybrid systems provide reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable electrification pathways for rural Nigeria, advancing the national energy transition and Sustainable Development Goal 7.