Feasibility study of a standalone hybrid energy system to supply electricity to a rural community in South Sudan

Abstract

Despite promising solar potential in South Sudan, rural electrification has long been an issue for the country's growth and development, as well as addressing climate change and fuel cost limits. This study aims at the feasibility analysis of a hybrid energy system for a rural community in the Southern part of South Sudan without access to electricity. Over a year, typical energy consumption profiles were generated based on the energy needs of the community. HOMER pro program was used to configure and optimize the system, and six different combinations were simulated and analyzed economically and technically based on the standalone mode of operation. The PV/DG/Battery design offers the lowest Net Present Cost (NPC) and Cost of Energy (COE), with a 22.94% return on investment due to the substantial solar potential. The study also found a modest wind speed in rural areas. In the rural community, the proposed configuration system can help provide electricity access with an 85% renewable fraction. The results of this study's six hybrid systems/combinations can serve as a reference benchmark for stakeholders, demonstrating the possibilities of boosting renewables, changing configuration settings, and lowering the cost of electricity.

Keywords

• Energy consumption
• Hybrid system
• Nyepo Payam
• Optimal system
• Rural electrification
• Standalone