Potential and economic feasibility analysis of solar-biomass-based hybrid system for rural electrification

Abstract

A significant portion of the population lives in rural regions where the grid cannot provide them with enough power. Rising power demand, fossil fuel prices, limited fossil fuels such as coal, and environmental issues are the key drivers driving the usage of renewable energy resources for generating electricity. As a result, an alternate option for electricity generation in such remote places is required. Using renewable resources as alternatives would undoubtedly aid in mitigating the effects of global warming. The hybrid energy system combines electric power production with renewable sources such as solar, biomass, wind, biogas, hydro, and diesel generators (DGs). In light of this, a feasibility study on hybrid renewable energy was carried out for a specified remote region. This research investigates the efficacy of a solar-biomass-based hybrid power generation for rural electrification. The effective and sustainable alternative is found in a standalone hybrid version based on solar biomass. Electricity produced from the hybrid model proposed is $0.603.555 per unit, which is almost free of emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG), equally economical, and cleaner than the traditional supply. This system can be beneficial to electrify other adjacent remote zones.