Traditional electrification methods, including grid extension and stand-alone diesel generators, have shown limitations to sustainability in the face of rural electrification challenges in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where electrification rates remain the lowest in the world. This study aims at performing a techno-economic analysis and optimization of a pumped-hydro energy storage based 100%-renewable off-grid hybrid energy system for the electrification of Djoundé, which is a small village in northern Cameroon. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software was used as an analysis tool, and the resulting optimal system architecture included an 81.8 kW PV array and a 15 kW biogas generator, with a cost of energy (COE) and total net present cost (NPC) of €0.256/kWh and €370,426, respectively. The system showed promise given the upcoming decrease in installation cost of photovoltaic systems. It will be viable in parts of SSA region but, significant investment subsidies will be needed elsewhere. The originality of this study can be emphasized in three points: (1) the modelling with the recently introduced pumped-hydro component of HOMER; (2) broadening sensitivity analysis applications to address practical issues related to hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES); and, (3) consideration of the agricultural sector and seasonal variation in the assessment of the electricity demand in an area of SSA.

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) have been touted as an appropriate way for supplying electricity to remote and off-grid areas in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where rural electrification challenges are the most pronounced. This study proposes a two-step methodology for optimizing and analyzing a stand-alone photovoltaic/wind/battery/diesel hybrid system to meet the electricity needs of Fanisua, an off-grid and remote village of northern Nigeria. In the first step, the MATLAB environment was used to run simulations and optimize the system via the genetic algorithm. Then, techno-economic and emissions analysis was carried out in the second step to compare the proposed system to the existing traditional modes of rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa, namely, the grid-extension and diesel generator. The break-even distance parameter was adopted in the comparison with grid-extension. Besides, the hypothetical project of replacing the diesel generator by the optimal system was analyzed using the Simple Payback Period (SPP) and Net Present Value (NPV) parameters. The resulting optimal design architecture included an 89.271-kW photovoltaic array, a 100.31-W diesel generator, and 148 batteries with a total annualized cost (TAC) and cost of energy (COE) of USD 43,807 and USD 0.25/kWh, respectively. The break-even distance found was 16.2 km, while the NPV and SPP of the hypothetical project were USD 572,382 and 2.8 years, respectively. The savings in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the proposed system compared to the grid extension and the diesel generator were found to be 85,401.08 kg/year and 122,062.85 kg/year, respectively. This study highlighted the role that solar PV-based HRESs could play in the sustainable electricity supply in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa.

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Central Africa owns important renewable energy potential. This important potential is still suffering from poor development. The main cause of the poor use of renewable energy is the poor commitment and dedication of governments who have not taken the necessary measures to boost the sector. Thermal plants are hence among other solutions planned or under construction. The purpose of this paper is among other things aiming at ensuring that the renewable energy resources of Central Africa are known and are subject to be used optimally. The work also shows availability of renewable energy sources and suggests actions to promote and sustain its development. Based on the knowledge of the Central African energy sector, this paper will identify actions for improved access to sustainable, friendly, affordable energy services to users as well as a significant improvement of energy infrastructure in Central Africa and the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The work will show the potential for solar, biomass and hydro while showing where available the level of development. Then identified obstacles for the promotion of clean energy will be targeted. Finally, suggestions will be made to help the countries develop a vision aiming at developing good clean energy policy to increase the status of renewable energy and better contribute to fight against climate change. Cameroon case study will be examined as illustration. We will use several documents from institutions in the region and abroad, and maps when available.