Techno‐Economic Potential of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Rural Health Units in the Philippines

Abstract

This study evaluated the techno-economic viability of utilizing a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) in a standard rural healthcare facility in the Philippines to improve energy access and resiliency. The optimal configurations were determined to satisfy the electricity demand of the RHU while reducing the cost of energy (COE) by 37-42 percent and direct CO 2 emissions by~59 percent. Both grid-connected and off-grid scenarios were considered. Results show that a solar photovoltaic panel-grid system is optimal for the grid-connected scenario while a solar photovoltaic panelgenerator-battery system is optimal for the off-grid scenario. Most of the load was found to occur during daytime (specifically from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM) and the optimal configurations are estimated to provide at least 70 percent of the facility's electricity demand. The results of this study support the policy of encouraging the integration of HRES in rural healthcare facilities in the Philippines as a way to augment energy access and increase energy system resilience while reducing long-term costs and CO 2 emissions.

Effectiveness of greenhouse gas mitigation intervention for health-care systems: a systematic review

“…We identified reports on hybrid energy systems using a combination of non-renewable and renewable energy sources 20 – 22 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 29 or fully renewable sources; 23 , 24 , 27 achieving carbon dioxide emission reductions of 25%–233% as compared to alternative scenarios ( Table 2 ) where the reductions higher than 100% are attributed to surplus electricity generation exported to the grid. All reported energy systems featured solar photovoltaic electricity generation paired with various other sources, such as wind or diesel.…”

“…The authors of two studies noted that these energy forms are scalable in rural health-care facilities in disparate geographical locations provided that local energy costs and climate parameters are considered during the pre-planning stages. 20 , 23 – 25 , 28 Scalability could extend to commercial buildings and agricultural industries as well. 21 , 27 …”

“…Initial capital costs and access to sufficient finance may act as a barrier to implementation of hybrid energy systems, but hybrid energy systems were seen as a solution to enhance energy reliability and reduce energy costs over time. 23 Suggested solutions included government funding, international climate-related financing and renewable energy purpose obligations; with one article suggesting a 25-year implementation period. 21 – 23 Wind and solar potential significantly influences their implementation, as areas with high potential (for example, those with strong insolation for solar energy), are more conducive to successful deployment than low-potential areas.…”

“… 23 Suggested solutions included government funding, international climate-related financing and renewable energy purpose obligations; with one article suggesting a 25-year implementation period. 21 – 23 Wind and solar potential significantly influences their implementation, as areas with high potential (for example, those with strong insolation for solar energy), are more conducive to successful deployment than low-potential areas.…”

“…Reliable electricity access can reduce these effects by increasing operating hours, attracting a larger health workforce, improving cold-chain for vaccines and medicines, and enhancing communication among health workers and between patients and health workers. 20 , 23 – 25 …”