The Hydro, Wind and Solar Hybrid Power Generation and Balancing Energy Supply-Demand for Seyemtribua Rural Village in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background:Ethiopia has a wide range of renewable energy resources for the electrification of rural areas which are often disconnected from the national grid. However, these have not yet been utilized for supplying energy to the rural community. Methods:The techno-economic viability of the hydro, wind, and solar hybrid power potential of Seyemtribua village in the Geba Catchment, Northern Ethiopia was evaluated using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software package. The hydrologic, meteorological, and demographic data collected from different sources were contemplated to analyze the power output and demand of the village. The simulation and optimization techniques in HOMER were employed for the possible configuration of micro-hydro, wind, and solar power hybrid systems. Besides the standalone, two and more systems were also combined to evaluate the technical capability of the hybrid system. The hourly and daily electrical load of the community was obtained using survey data from selected households.Results:The mean annual power output that can be harnessed from the micro-hydro, solar, and wind is 272.4 kilowat, 161.8 kilowat, and 96.8 kilowat, respectively. The combination of these energy sources is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the village. However, the mean hourly variation of power output from the hybrid system demonstrated shortage during peak load times which can be assisted by a generator output. The economic analysis revealed that the hybrid system is feasible and cheaper than other sources of energy besides its environmental benefit.Conclusions: The potential of energy production from hybrid systems (solar, wind and micro-hydro power systems) and its economic feasibility for remotely located villages in Ethiopian condition is promising. We suggest decision-makers, governmental and non-governmental agencies, power authorities, and investors consider such hybrid systems for rural electrification in Ethiopia.