Analyzing of a Photovoltaic/Wind/Biogas/Pumped-Hydro Off-Grid Hybrid System for Rural Electrification in Sub-Saharan Africa—Case Study of Djoundé in Northern Cameroon

Nasser Yimen, Oumarou Hamandjoda, Lucien Meva’a, Benoit Ndzana and Jean Nganhou
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Nasser Yimen: National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaoundé I, POB: 8390, Yaounde, Cameroon
Oumarou Hamandjoda: National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaoundé I, POB: 8390, Yaounde, Cameroon
Lucien Meva’a: National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaoundé I, POB: 8390, Yaounde, Cameroon
Benoit Ndzana: National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaoundé I, POB: 8390, Yaounde, Cameroon
Jean Nganhou: National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaoundé I, POB: 8390, Yaounde, Cameroon

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 10, 1-30

Abstract: Traditional electrification methods, including grid extension and stand-alone diesel generators, have shown limitations to sustainability in the face of rural electrification challenges in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where electrification rates remain the lowest in the world. This study aims at performing a techno-economic analysis and optimization of a pumped-hydro energy storage based 100%-renewable off-grid hybrid energy system for the electrification of Djoundé, which is a small village in northern Cameroon. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software was used as an analysis tool, and the resulting optimal system architecture included an 81.8 kW PV array and a 15 kW biogas generator, with a cost of energy (COE) and total net present cost (NPC) of €0.256/kWh and €370,426, respectively. The system showed promise given the upcoming decrease in installation cost of photovoltaic systems. It will be viable in parts of SSA region but, significant investment subsidies will be needed elsewhere. The originality of this study can be emphasized in three points: (1) the modelling with the recently introduced pumped-hydro component of HOMER; (2) broadening sensitivity analysis applications to address practical issues related to hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES); and, (3) consideration of the agricultural sector and seasonal variation in the assessment of the electricity demand in an area of SSA.

Keywords: hybrid renewable energy system; pumped-hydro energy storage; off-grid; optimization; HOMER software; rural electrification; sub-Saharan Africa; Cameroon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (21)

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