Open Access
TECHNO-ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND OPTIMIZATION OF OFF-GRID HYBRID RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN ETHIOPIA
4
School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
4
Institute of Energy Systems and Thermodynamics, TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), 1040 Vienna, Austria
Abstract
This study explores the techno-economic feasibility and optimal configuration of off-grid hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for rural electrification in Ethiopia. The proposed systems integrate solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines, and battery storage, with or without diesel backup, to ensure reliable and sustainable energy access in remote areas. Using HOMER Pro software, various system combinations were simulated based on local resource availability, load profiles, and economic parameters. The analysis reveals that optimized HRES configurations can significantly reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), greenhouse gas emissions, and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar-wind-battery systems, in particular, showed promising results in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. This work supports Ethiopia’s energy access goals and provides a viable framework for clean energy implementation in underserved rural regions.
Keywords
Hybrid renewable energy system (HRES),
rural electrification,
techno-economic analysis
References
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