Energy Reports (Nov 2021)
Optimising photovoltaic-centric hybrid power systems for energy autonomy
Abstract
In recent years, emphasis has been placed on the design and implementation of sustainable energy system solutions to combat the adverse environmental impact of emissions from the power and transportation sectors. This study applies a systems elimination method using numerical simulation to validate and optimise recently-reported results demonstrating the benefits of photovoltaic (PV)–diesel — battery hybrid integrated power systems (IPS) for commercial centres, with Abuja in Nigeria used for the case study. An optimal IPS was identified from 20,200 candidate solutions analysed by assessment against environmental (1st priority) and economic (2nd priority) metrics. Although environmental conditions were prioritised, the optimal system was economically viable. The environmentally optimal system emitted 33% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2 tonnes/yr.) than the economically optimised solution (PV–diesel) over their operational lifetimes ($/20 years), and was 4% costlier than same. The results demonstrate that carbon taxation or outright bans on independent fossil fuel systems (IFFSs) in emerging economies might not be effective policies in mitigating the impact of climate change on our environment. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on energising unserved and underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa, considering the case study country of Nigeria. It decries the common practice of prioritising economic factors over environmental factors in optimising the operations of grid defected power system solutions as continental and regional electrification efforts are being ramped up. This is particularly of importance (an environmental responsibility), as immediate economic gains could have far-reaching environmental and social implications that elicits the limitations of economically prioritised power development projects in the offing.
