Challenge of Supplying Power with Renewable Energy Due to the Impact of COVID-19 on Power Demands in the Lao PDR: Analysis Using Metaheuristic Optimization

Thongsavanh Keokhoungning, Wullapa Wongsinlatam, Tawun Remsungnen, Ariya Namvong, Sirote Khunkitti, Bounmy Inthakesone, Apirat Siritaratiwat, Suttichai Premrudeepreechacharn () and Chayada Surawanitkun ()
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Thongsavanh Keokhoungning: Center of Multidisciplinary Innovation Network Talent (MINT Center), Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Wullapa Wongsinlatam: Center of Multidisciplinary Innovation Network Talent (MINT Center), Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Tawun Remsungnen: Center of Multidisciplinary Innovation Network Talent (MINT Center), Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Ariya Namvong: Center of Multidisciplinary Innovation Network Talent (MINT Center), Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Sirote Khunkitti: Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Apirat Siritaratiwat: Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Suttichai Premrudeepreechacharn: Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Chayada Surawanitkun: Center of Multidisciplinary Innovation Network Talent (MINT Center), Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Human activities have been limited by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the normal conditions of our lifestyles have changed, particularly in terms of electricity usage. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the power sector in the Lao PDR in 2020, as well as the challenge of using solar energy to supply power to the network using an optimal approach. The returns on investment of network extension and the purchase of solar energy were also evaluated. Furthermore, load conditions caused by the country’s lockdown policy were analyzed. We analyzed the optimal sizing and location of solar energy using a particle swarm optimization method based on the main objective functions, with the system’s power loss decreasing and its reliability improved. The results demonstrated that the suddenly reduced load from industry and commercial business did not have a large impact on its operations; however, revenue was reduced. The optimal method for connecting solar energy to a network can reduce power loss and improve system reliability. In addition, we discovered that the location and capacity of solar generation can reduce the investment costs of extensions for new lines, with the surplus power being exported.

Keywords: renewable energy; energy management; power energy; energy resources; optimization; economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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