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Microgrids system consisting of single or multiple energy resources and storage is used to provide electricity to remote rural areas. Subsequently, they can be worked in both grid-connected and islanded modes. Microgrids can provide stable energy solutions to areas where grid extension is either costly or not feasible. The system's long-term economic stability and sustainability must be considered throughout the microgrid's design. Renewable energy sources have a variety of objectives and possible restrictions. The current plan suggests a rural microgrid with integrated solar, diesel, and battery systems. The proposed microgrid for the rural area of Uttarakhand (India) is given a techno-economic and feasibility analysis. For the hilly region of India, a standalone microgrid is created to handle the home peak load of 13kW. Moth flam optimization (MFO) is utilized to optimize the proposed energy framework, and the results are compared with those of a genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The optimal hybrid system's net current and energy costs are calculated to be $58372.00, with the cost of energy per unit being $0.14/kWh. Sensitivity analysis and robustness viability have been performed for the configuration. The finding suggested that the energy framework using MFO is 18% and 16% less expensive than GA and PSO, respectively. This research adds new direction to critical sustainable development among developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to examine the techno-economic viability of both off-grid and on-grid hybrid renewable energy systems for Jordan's Al-Karak governorate. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) Pro software was used in this article to evaluate the carry feasibility to maximize the renewable energy (RE) integration in hybrid energy systems based on different configurations, grid-connected and stand-alone systems of the wind turbine, biogas plant, photovoltaic (PV) panels, flywheel, and batteries while minimizing the net present cost, the Levelized cost of energy and CO2 emissions mitigation. The results showed that the PV/Wind system, connected to the grid with batteries for storage is the optimal configuration for sustainable Al-Karak governorate electrification whilst achieving environmental benefits and guaranteeing reliable and continuous energy access with the lowest net present cost and the Levelized cost, 298,359 USD$ and 0.024 USD$/kWh respectively, and high RE share, 71.8% of electricity is generated from wind and 28.2% is purchased from the grid and emits 220 tons of CO2 per year, 53% less than a grid alone system. Such a system would provide advantages in terms of energy independence and improved environmental quality. • A hybrid renewable energy system for Jordan's Al Karak governorate was optimized. • Six different scenarios of renewable energy systems were examined. • The impact of the optimal configuration on GHG emission was analyzed. • PV/Wind/batteries system, connected to grid was the optimal configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An affordable and reliable grid connected hybrid energy system is selected to supply electrical loads in the rural area. • Size of SPV and battery bank are optimized along with grid power sell or purchase. • The available biogas is used to supply the cooking demand. • Batteries such as lead acid, nickel iron and lithium ion are compared during the simulation for their selection as a component of the hybrid energy system. In the developing countries, rural and remote sites are rarely connected with the national grid due to the lack of transmission and distribution infrastructure. The development of hybrid renewable energy model is an alternate solution to provide electricity accessibility in such areas. In the present research work, a grid-connected hybrid system model has been developed based on the available renewable resources. The proposed model consists of local renewable sources i.e., solar and biomass along with batteries for storage purposes. Major objectives of the study are to optimize the sizing of PV panels and batteries with power sales or purchases from the grid. The net present cost of the system has been minimized which is subjected to power reliability, SOC of batteries, upper and lower bound of SPV and batteries. Discrete Harmony Search (DHS) Algorithm has been adopted to optimize the system. Among the various considered scenarios, optimal configuration includes 30 kW biomass, 83.50 kWp solar PV, 78.70 kW converter and 38.40 kWh battery bank. Further, the optimization result yields the minimum cost of energy and net present cost as 4.66 INR/kWh and 13.07 million INR respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New financing in clean energy technologies plays a progressively important role in increasing energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This research investigates the salient social dimensions of clean electricity access with the view to identify the most suitable SSA countries for funding and implementing decentralised renewable energy systems and sheds light on the opportunities for improving social conditions through clean electrification. Our multi-dimensional analysis of social considerations culminates in the Social Clean Energy Access (Social CEA) Index. The composite indicator structure was empirically tested and improved in terms of accuracy and robustness for 35 SSA countries. The Social CEA index captures the status of social factors on health, education, economic development, gender equality, and quality of life related to electricity access. The Social CEA Index strength is assessed by exploring the synergies between electricity access and social development and its progress over time is evaluated through a dimension's breakdown approach in Ghana. • The Social CEA Index allows an effective identification of priorities for action in clean electrification programs; • The innovation of the Index is due to its tailored design focusing on the social dimensions of electricity access; • The country level Social CEA Index depicts an unequal situation in terms of social aspects between African countries; • The focus on the Ghana case shows that electricity is a central dimension to reduce poverty and support economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 172 million rural households in China in 2022, will still rely on traditional biofuels instead of electricity. This study explores the feasibility of achieving rural electrification in China utilization various Energy origins and assesses its potential impact on climate change mitigation. To do so, we employ the Regional Energy Model (REM) to formulate hypotheses for rural power distribution. Covering the era from 2020 until 2050. We evaluate consequences in terms of greenhouse gas discharges, principal energy consumption, associated expenses by comparing these possibilities with a Business- as -Usual (BU) scenario. Our findings reveal that diesel-based arrangements tend to produce 'the maximum Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, trailed by network-based solutions. Electrification focused on renewable energy-driven applications has the potential to reduce total CO2 emissions by up to 97 % and primary energy consumption by 43 % in 2050 compared to the BU scenario. We also find that electrification through decentralized diesel systems tends to be the priciest choice. Rural electrification utilizing renewable energy emerges as a cost-effective choice when the majority of end-use applications rely on renewable energy sources. However, it becomes less economical than network expansions when electric end-user appliances are predominant. In summary, this study investigates the viability of renewable energy for rural power distribution and its role in climate change abatement in rural China, offering policy suggestions. • Analyzes six energy-based scenarios for China's rural electrification until 2050. • Evaluates GHG emissions, energy use, and costs impacts with regional energy model. • Provides policy insights and uncertainties for China's sustainability goals. • An oil price and distance-based analysis also is done with extra 6 scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper focuses on techno-economic modeling and optimal sizing of autonomous hybrid microgrid systems. The optimal configuration of the suggested stand-alone system was performed by developing a size optimization model based on the metaheuristic novel Grasshopper Optimization algorithm (GOA) method to minimize the Total Net Present Cost (TNPC), unmet load, and Cost of Energy (COE) in the Nsukka Community which comprises 88 villages. The GOA and HOMER Pro Software are employed to compare results across four possible configurations of hybrid renewable power systems (HRES). The comparative analysis between GOA and HOMER shows that configuration-4 (biogas/Diesel), emerges as the optimal solution, with a 0 % unmet load at the COE of $0.01783 per kWh. The findings indicated that the GOA-based HRES, with a higher saturation of Biogas and photovoltaics (PV), proves to be more affordable in comparison to the HOMER-based solutions. The reduction in the COE and NPC of renewable energy for peak demands highlights the growing importance of biogas generators as an affordable local power supply to meet energy demands. This underscores the potential of the GOA in optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems for remote communities, producing an economically viable and sustainable energy solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effective utilisation of available renewable resources in rural region of Bihar for sustainable rural electrification. • Design of optimal model of on-grid as well as off-grid hybrid configuration of active distribution network (ADN) on integration of PV/biomass resources. • A comparative assessment for effective performance and management of produced energy of both on-grid as well as off-grid active distribution network has been done. • A proper investigation and assessment of proposed active distribution network on several techno-economic attributes has been performed. • Analysis of feasibility and pertinency of active distribution network for selected rural region on environmental concerns has been also done. • Impact of various dependent variable assessment on cost of energy and total net present cost for the practicality of proposed active distribution network has been done. Majority of rural areas in India have already been electrified, yet the disparity between demand and supply is considerably higher and broadened due to which nation's rapid financial growth as well as rising standards of living in both the urban as well as rural areas. Hence, the utilisation of renewable resources is rising steadily for the mitigation of such energy crisis. It has become necessity to use a hybrid sustainable energy system by exploiting the strengths of each source in combination with one another to minimise the dependence on the congested power grid. For the efficient use of readily available renewable energy and sustainable rural electrification, this study proposes an effective Active Distribution Network (ADN). A comprehensive techno-economic analysis has been performed on the design of an ADN system that includes the exploitation of solar and biomass energy as sources of power for sustainable rural electrification. In the proposed work, performance assessment elements such as output responses, component costs, feasibility and sensitivity of the project, emissions, inflation rate, and changing the pricing of integrant have been taken into consideration and analysed. Results shows the improvement in rural electrical system while lowering system energy costs along with consideration of environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the social index of access to clean energy, the country of CHAD is one of the least electrified in the world and the last in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with only 11.3% of its population having electricity access. The access is considerably lower in rural areas of CHAD (1.3%), meaning that 98.7% of the Chadian rural population currently depends on the unsustainable and polluting fuels such as wood and charcoal to meet their energy needs. The absence of electricity is also an opportunity to find a new solution for sustainable, clean, affordable and reliable electricity, which is a prerequisite for social and economic growth. This paper proposes an approach for performing a techno-economic, environmental, and social assessment based on optimal modeling of PV/wind/battery/fuel cell systems in both connected to the grid and standalone configurations for delivering electricity to rural areas within the context of CHAD using MATLAB R2023b to implement and run two (2) meta-heuristic optimization methods: Non-dominate Sorting Genetic Algorithm and Cuckoo Search Algorithm. To fulfill this purpose, we used 2 study cases in two (2) regions of the Sahelian zone of CHAD (MASSAKORY in the HADJER-LAMIS region and MAO in the KANEM region) with geographical coordinates of 13°00′N 15°44′E and 14° 7′ 16" N et 15° 18' 37" E, respectively. The hourly load profile data for a whole year, the hourly metrological data and the characteristics techno-economic of the proposed system components are utilized for the same purpose. The Annualized System Cost (ASC) and the System Self-Sufficiency Index (SSSI) were chosen as objective functions. The simulation results demonstrate that the Net Present Cost (NPC) of proposed systems are $2,107,900 (grid connected), $ 512,650 (off-grid), the cost of the grid is $2100, the LCOE is 0.1457$/kWh (grid connected), 0.0538$/kWh (off-grid), and the LCOH is 2.2892 US $/kg. These last two criteria are the lowest in comparison to the findings of previous work conducted in CHAD by HOMER Pro. The yearly equivalent avoided Greenhouse gas (GHG) is 460,480 kg (grid connected system), 463,467 kg (off-grid system), the grid GHG emission is 3400 kg and the renewable energy sources fraction is 99.27%. Each of proposed systems will create four (4) new jobs and improve the HDI by 5.93% (grid connected system HDI = 0.4216) and 25.04% (off-grid system HDI = 0.4991). This study could help designers, companies, investors, policymakers, and the government of CHAD in decision-making during the installation of such a system in specific rural areas and also provide a better practical energy design tool. • A multi-criteria optimal sizing of an off-grid and grid-connected hybrid photovoltaic-wind system with battery and fuel cell storage system was proposed to give access to sustainable, affordable, reliable, and clean energy for rural electrification in CHAD. • Two (2) well-known metaheuristic optimization algorithms, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and the Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA), are implemented in MATLAB 2023b to size the proposed systems optimally. • A techno-economic, environmental, and social analysis was performed for the optimization of the systems sizing considering the two (2) configurations (grid-connected and off-grid) and two study cases in two (2) regions of the Sahelian zone of CHAD. • Results showed significant social, environmental, economic, and system reliability improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant increases in renewable energy are needed in electricity systems in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the face of increasing electricity demand arising from the electrification of heat and transport. Greater flexibility is required in the electricity system to facilitate this, using proven flexibility providers such as batteries and interconnection or new technologies yet to be proven. This paper investigates how the relationship between battery and interconnection development and carbon price can impact carbon dioxide emissions and renewable energy curtailment. The study simulates twenty-eight scenarios and sensitivities using a unit commitment and economic dispatch model of a 2030 European power system that acknowledges that coal will not be fully eliminated from the 2030 generation mix. The results show that interconnection and battery deployment can alleviate renewable energy curtailment by over 2.4 TWh for the basecase, but a high carbon price is critical to ensuring their deployment plays a complementary role in reducing emissions. The paper also examines the impact of batteries and interconnection on solar and wind energy curtailment. It reveals that battery development nearly doubled the solar energy benefits achieved by interconnection development in some cases, while wind energy benefited more from interconnection development. • A high CO 2 price is critical to IC and batteries achieving emissions reductions. • IC can facilitate production of cheaper higher emitting fuels when CO 2 price is low. • Solar energy benefits more from deployment of batteries due to similar timescales. • Diversity of wind profiles can be leveraged with increased interconnection. • Regardless of CO 2 price IC and batteries alleviate renewable energy curtailment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, higher penetrations of renewable energy generations helped persuade sustainable energy and environmental targets, although their intermittent and fluctuated nature raised technical challenges. However, hybrid power system can minimize these technical issues by integrating flexible generation capable renewable energy sources like biomass. This study deals with optimizing grid-integrated and stand-alone biomass-based hybrid power system for the energy demand of a rural region containing poultry farms. Besides solar and wind energy, energy storage integration is evaluated regarding overall technical-environmental-economic performance, considering the actual manure potential using HOMER Pro. In addition, sensitivity analyses are performed, considering the estimated load and inflations using an artificial neural network method. Using biomass and solar hybrid options offers more autonomous, environmentally friendly, and economic advantages. Biomass-based hybrid power system with solar energy reduced net present cost by around 12% and increased renewable fraction by 7%, and grid-connected options can provide 88.9% renewable fraction. In addition, the energy storage integration increased renewable fraction by around 10% and reduced excess energy by 16%. The proposed biomass-based hybrid power system achieves cost-effective sizing of solar or wind-based hybrid systems, empowers the reliability of renewable energy and presents good consistency of decarbonization targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development of the inherently complex nature of the energy sector requires a comprehensive understanding of its components and their dynamic interactions. In this study, we employ a system dynamics approach to examine the impact of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency on the performance of the energy sector, and apply this, as a case study example, to the Australian energy sector. Our results show that improving only 1% of energy efficiency would result in 101k/331k GWh energy productivity (5% and 14% of total energy consumption) and reduce domestic CO 2 emissions by 15.3/50 Mt CO 2 -e (4% and 10% of total domestic emissions) by 2030/2050. Switching to renewable energy for transportation and therefore saving 5% per year of current oil consumption may decrease dependency on oil to half by 2030 and to zero by 2050, and reduce domestic CO 2 emissions by 74.1/198 Mt CO 2 -e (18% and 41% of total domestic emissions). Switching to renewable electricity by 3% annually may lead to 60.8/129 Mt CO 2 -e reduction in domestic CO 2 emissions (15% and 27% of total domestic emissions) by 2030/2050. Electrification of other sectors, mainly the manufacturing sector, increasing the use of renewable energy by 4% annually, may lead to 43.3/106 Mt CO 2 -e reduction in domestic CO 2 emissions (11% and 22% of total domestic emissions) by 2030/2050. Improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy for transportation, switching to renewable electricity, electrification of sectors that do not currently run on electricity with the use of renewable energy could achieve zero domestic CO 2 emissions by 2050 while energy consumption stays almost stable (0.5%/year). This process may be accelerated by improving energy efficiency by more than 1%. • Energy efficiency increases energy security and reduces emissions. • Switching to renewable transportation reduces emissions and cuts oil dependency. • Switching to renewable electricity is crucial for reducing domestic CO 2 emissions. • Electrification of all sectors using RE is possible. • Synergy between energy efficiency and RE is crucial for a sustainable energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of electricity from Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in off-grid systems has increased rapidly over the last several years, mostly to satisfy regional electricity demand. The objective is to develop a hybrid PV/Wind/Battery/Diesel generator/ Power to Hydrogen (P2H) system configuration that can effectively and economically meet the energy demands. For an optimum design of a hybrid system, this work incorporates technical parameters (Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP), Renewable factor, PV fraction, and Wind fraction), economic factors (Cost of Energy (COE), Net Present Cost (NPC), and Annualized system cost (ASC)), social factor (Human Developing Index (HDI)) in the proposed design. A distinctive feature of the works is that it proposes a novel Improved Red-Tailed Hawk Algorithm (IRTHA) which utilizes a hybrid approach that incorporates nonlinear decay and chaotic map strategy for designing optimum hybrid systems. The effectiveness of the proposed IRTHA is determined by implementing it on the CEC 2019 benchmark problems and then comparing its outcomes with that of existing Metaheuristic (MH) algorithms. The proposed IRTHA and other MH algorithms are used to determine the appropriate size and conduct a techno-socio-enviro-financial evaluation of an HRES. The investigation reveals that the IRTHA has identified the most economical COE, NPC, and ASC of electricity for the selected site, which are determined to be 0.3772 $/kWh, 44,05,900 $, and 3,10,000 $/year respectively and these values are found to be economically efficient. Additionally, IRTHA demonstrates superior performance in mitigating the environmental pollutant CO 2 , with a maximum emission of just 549.8792 kg/year. Also, Lifetime model assessment of the design substantiate the results of the IRTHA. Finally, sensitivity analysis is conducted for the parameters such as solar radiation, wind speed, temperature, and component cost to determine a more feasible design. • An HRES consist of PV-WT-BES-DG-HESS is proposed for rural electrification. • Improved Red Tailed Hawk (IRTHA) algorithm is developed to find the optimal size of the system. • Comparison of IRTHA with other MH algorithms using CEC 2019 benchmark problems and validation of results by statistical tests. • Technical, economic, environmental, and social studies are conducted for designing the most efficient HRES. • Viability of HRES is evaluated by using lifetime assessment and Sensitivity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural electrification through low-voltage in isolated hybrid microgrids, with distributed renewable resources (DERs), contributes to sustainable development by offering reliable, decentralized and scalable electricity. However, this approach alleviates burden on the main grid and fosters socio-economic development. This requires an effective controller for efficient power management and maintaining voltage & frequency. The inherent challenges of low-voltage microgrids, power quality exacerbation by the non-linear loads, along the dynamic nature of DERs, underscore the complexity of these systems. The proposed work introduces a low-voltage synchronized bandpass filter-based cascaded PR controller for a single-phase isolated hybrid microgrid. This design aims to address the discussed research gaps and support various loads & applications for small-scale rural electrification. The system incorporates 3 kW wind and 2 kW solar energy generation, complemented by battery management systems and VSI to handle AC nonlinear loads uninterruptedly. It is designed to maintain the THD level within IEEE 519 standards and is tested with variable conditions for non-linear loads using several case studies. A comprehensive analysis is presented to show effective power management, precise voltage and frequency regulation. The laboratory hardware setup validates the VSI controller's real-world applicability for non-linear load maintaining THD level within standards. • A low-voltage synchronized BPF-based cascaded PR-controller for isolated microgrid. • Utilization of wind and solar energy with BMS for nonlinear AC loads. • Efficient power management and maintaining PCC voltage as per IEEE-519 standards. • Verification of the controller on VSI through experimental setup on hardware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar-wind-biomass-battery system is proposed. • Numerical modelling and varied operational scenarios for the system are formulated. • Evaluating system feasibility across various power loss probabilities is conducted. • Giza Pyramids construction outperformed by $177 saving and 8% less simulation time. The economical electrification of rural settlements extensively utilizes renewable energy sources. In recent years, the deployment of solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and biomass gasifier-based power generation technologies for electricity accessibility in remote regions has received greater prominence. This paper presents an optimal component design of a hybrid solar PV-wind and battery system along with a biomass gasifier to provide continuous electricity for rural communities of Uttarakhand, India. In this study, a recently developed population-based giza pyramids construction (GPC) methodology is applied to determine the optimal component sizing. The findings of the GPC method are contrasted with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) methodology to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method. The annualized system cost and levelized cost of energy of the hybrid renewable energy system have been minimized subject to technical reliability indicators such as loss of power supply probability and renewable fraction. Moreover, a systematic exploration of the system has been conducted to assess its optimal feasibility across different values of power loss probability ranging from (0% to 4%). The simulation indicates that the proposed method adeptly identifies globally optimal values, leading to a $177 decrease in annual cost and 8% reduction in average simulation time compared to PSO. The research reveals that the balanced point (relative attainment), where system reliability and cost-effectiveness intersect optimally, is achieved at a 3% power loss level, resulting in the most significant cost reduction of $199 compared to other probability levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent persistent power interruption in Nigeria has significantly disrupted commercial activities, resulting in a magnificent economic loss, supply chain ripples and revenue loss. As a result, harnessing renewable energy sources to generate electricity has become a popular choice for satisfying ever-increasing load demand and reducing apprehensions on global warming and reliance on depleted fossil fuels. The goal of this research is to determine whether powering a remote community with a hybrid energy system (HES) is technologically, financially and environmentally viable. The optimum design of a standalone HES with the diesel generator (DG), photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage system (BSS) is provided in this study to satisfy the electrical power needs of a farm settlement in Kura, Nigeria by considering generation constraints and load demand. This research work presents a genetic algorithm (GA) to minimize wearing cost of the system (WCS), minimize the land needed for the installation of the DG and PV system, minimize the total annual cost of the system (TAC) and maximize the benefit to cost ratio and revenue from electricity consumption. The findings of the research showed that PV/BSS/DG system is a prospective solution to satisfy the load requirements with least TAC of 67374 $/yr, annual maintenance cost (AMC) of 2808.2 $/yr, annual fuel cost (AFC) of 32300 $/yr and annual emission cost (AEC) of 774.2023 $/yr. The outcomes of the study show that a considerable TAC, AMC, AFC and AEC savings of 26766 $/yr (28.43 %), 2808.2 $/yr (53.09 %), 32300 $/yr (25.4 %) and 774.2023 $/yr (60.69 %) are recorded when compared with using DG alone. The control approach applied in this study has reduced the operational capacity of the DG and prevented about 41157 kg/yr, 419.19 kg/yr and 22.52 kg/yr of CO 2, NOx and SO 2 emissions from being injected into the atmosphere. The simulation outcomes of the research demonstrate that the developed model can significantly reduce cost of electricity in rural communities with the application of HES. Hence, a 45.36 % cost of energy saving has been accomplished through the energy management system introduced in the proposed HES. The study's outcomes can be used as benchmarks to help many countries to enhance access to electricity, raise their living standards and stimulate economic growth. The application of the proposed HES in remote communities can result in greater economic and environmental benefits to a general population of rural dwellers. The findings of the research work are beneficial to designers, independent power providers, investors, researchers and electricity consumers that are looking for a feasible power solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Assessment of energy management strategy for a PV-battery system and solar-hydro system is conducted. • PSO is used to minimize the Levelized cost of energy at a specific probability of power supply loss. • Probability of power supply loss variation effect on the optimal sizing is determined. • PV-battery and PV-battery-hydro systems are compared at different probabilities of power supply loss. • A standalone electricity generation system is suggested based on minimized LCOE. An optimal energy management strategy is difficult for an efficient operation of hybrid renewable energy systems due to the instability of energy resources. The present study analyzes a hybrid PV-battery integrated with the pump-hydro-storage system (PHSS) utilizing the rainfall potential at various probabilities of power supply loss (PPSL). Two configurations have been studied. Configuration-1 is a PV-battery system, and Configuration-2 is a hybrid PV-battery-PHSS. PPSL are varied between 0.00 and 0.10 in steps of 0.02. The particle swarm optimization technique is used for size optimization based on the Levelized Cost of energy minimization. Configuration-1 and Configuration-2 at PPSL of 0.00 are highly oversized. Configuration-2, compared to Configuration-1, has less excess power due to the integration of PHSS. A decrease in the power supply reliability by just 2% has caused the decrease in the Levelized Cost of energy by about 31.3% for Configuration-1 and 28.8% for Configuration-2. The power system efficiency for Configuration-1 at PPSL of 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 is 34%, 71%, 77%, 79%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. However, for the Configuration-2, the power system efficiency compared to Configuration-1 at PPSL of 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 has increased by about 11.8%, 2.8%, 0.0%, 1.3%, 1.3%, and 1.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off-grid renewable energy grids will contribute to the achievement of SDG 7 on universal energy access, especially in off-grid communities. But the scarcity of resources for development aid requires very tight designs that minimize the cost of investment and operation of the mini-grid. To do this, the future energy demand of the community must be analysed very well, which is very difficult due to the lack of previous data. In the literature, two main approaches to analyse future energy demand, deterministic and stochastic methodologies. In this article, we compare both methodologies for a real case study in Honduras and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Although the deterministic approach requires less information and less mathematical processing, it generates less accurate results. In contrast, the stochastic approach consumes more resources but gives more realistic results for the correct design of the mini-grid. In conclusion, the deterministic approach methods can be useful for the early stages of the project, when the investment is being sized. But for the advanced phases of the project, when the installation is being designed, the stochastic approach is recommended. • Demand assessment of isolated rural communities • A comparison between deterministic and stochastic methods to predict demand • Determination of information and computational needs, and results accuracy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This study demonstrates the techno-economic feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system to satisfy the electric and hydrogen load for remote rural communities. • In this study, the proposed system is more economical compared with grid extension, and less carbon footprint with CO 2 emission avoidance of around 375.44 t/year. • Sensitivity analysis on annual average hydrogen load growth and system capacity shortfall friction have been performed. Reliable and sustainable energy supply is essential for the development of remote rural areas, especially in the context of stringent carbon emission reduction target. This study aims to demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) to satisfy the electric and hydrogen load for remote rural communities, where a case study of a village in West China is presented. By performing simulation and optimization, the most cost-competitive system configuration is identified, the net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE) and cost of hydrogen (COH) of which are $1.26M, $0.162/kWh and $12.5/kg, respectively. Compared with grid extension, the proposed system is more economical with a breakeven grid extension distance (BGED) of 16.15 km, and less carbon footprint with CO 2 emission avoidance of around 375.44 t/year. In addition, sensitivity analysis on annual average hydrogen load growth and system capacity shortfall friction have been performed. The results indicated that the implementation of a hybrid power system can be a reliable and economic viable solution for remote rural electrification and decarbonizing local transport sector, whilst social and environmental benefits are also achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to electricity is vital in rural regions of Africa. There is substantial potential to utilise wind energy, yet investment in renewable energy projects is trivial because it has been insufficiently endorsed. As a result, most people living in remote regions of Africa rely entirely on diesel-powered generators, which expel pollutants in substantial amounts. These adversely affect the health of people and the environment. Sudan – one of Africa's largest countries – has a range of resources from which renewable energy could be generated, including favourable wind power generating conditions. This paper represents the first effort in literature to use a strategic perspective to explore how viable wind energy systems are in Sudan. It reports a study using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) across 21 diverse sites in Sudan. It identifies the optimal wind turbine system and best locations and analyses the costs involved and how much pollution could be prevented by implementing wind farms instead of diesel systems. The results establish that the optimal type of wind turbine across the investigated locations is the Enercon E−138 EP3. Wind farm use is expected to avoid almost 49 million kg/year of pollutants and reduce energy cost by US$0.91317/kWh. The optimal sites for utilising wind energy were Wawa, Dongola, Karima, Wadi Halfa and Al-Goled in order of suitability and their low costs of electricity and high wind speed records. Wind turbine pricing is predicted to reduce over time, so the study varied the cost of wind turbines to understand the impact on project economics. A reduction in wind turbine costs by 10 % lowered energy cost to between US$0.03681/kWh and US$0.04052/kWh. A further 25 % price drop reduced the cost of energy to between US$0.03067/kWh and US$0.03376/kWh. This study reveals the significant potential of integrating renewable energy into the energy mix of Sudan and provides an essential reference for wind farms in the energy sector across other developing countries. • Finding the ideal wind turbine system and sites for exploiting wind energy in Sudan. • Exploring the costs and evaded emissions using wind farms over diesel generators. • Investigating the impact of wind turbine price on the project economics. • The optimal wind turbine was determined to be Enercon E−138 EP3. • The best locations for harvesting wind energy are Wawa Dongola, Karima and Wadi Halfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, the emerging trend of hybrid renewable energy sources integration in modern power systems is increasing due to privileged prices and clean electricity supply. However, the optimal planning of rural hybrid systems is a challenging and complex task, especially when different alternatives and sustainability aspects are considered. This paper develops an integrated decision-making approach for the optimal planning of a 100% renewable energy supply system comprising solar, wind, hydro, and biomass sources in a rural area located in Pakistan. An hourly-based design optimization analysis of twelve on/off-grid electrification alternatives is performed. The optimization model simultaneously addresses five sustainability criteria related to economy, reliability, ecology, society, and topography aspects. Furthermore, a novel hybrid decision-making model has developed to identify the unique best configuration with on-grid and off-grid options. The proposed model combines fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, multi-objective optimization based on ratio analysis technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution, and evaluation based on distance from average solution methods. The results reveal that the solar-hydro-biomass battery with a life cycle cost of 10.9 M$ is the top-ranking off-grid system. When the hybrid system is connected to the grid, the solar-hydro-battery has found the most appropriate design with a life cycle cost of 12.96 M$. Both scenarios have a negligible capacity shortage of 0.09%. Ecologically, the optimal off-grid system produces only 408.37 kg/yr of CO 2 due to the significant energy share of solar and hydro sources (99.3%). The optimal on-grid system produced the minimum CO 2 with 29,177.89 kg/yr compared to other alternatives. Also, employing the optimal on/off-grid designs require land area and jobs of 96.6 m2, 14 jobs, and 118 m2, 15 jobs, respectively. Overall, the developed approach with the presented case study offers a valuable benchmark and guidelines for investors and stakeholders to create realistic investment plans for the energy industry looking to push efficient inducements to encourage the high dissemination of renewables. [Display omitted] • 100% renewable energy system is established for on/off grid rural electrification. • Twelve distinctive solar/wind/hydro/biomass-based hybrid energy alternatives are optimized. • An integrated fuzzy-AHP/TOPSIS/EDAS/MOORA decision-making model is proposed. • Cost, reliability, emission, social, and topographical criteria are simultaneously considered. • Results prove the long-term sustainability of 100% renewable in rural Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the techno-economic viability assessment of solar PV/wind/diesel generator (DG)/battery hybrid energy systems (HES) for powering an isolated rural health clinic in northern Nigeria. HOMER–software tool developed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been utilized for the techno-economic assessment of the proposed HES. The results of the simulation reveal that PV/DG/battery HES with 5.43 kW PV, 2 kW DG, 3.06 kW power converter, and 10 units of batteries emerged as the optimum system and most preferable with the minimum Net Present Cost (NPC) of $16,457 and Cost of Energy (COE) of $0.259/kWh compared to other system cases. The outcome also shows that the optimized solution is environmentally friendly as it presented an acceptable carbon dioxide emission of 1304 kg/year, which was about 80% and 82.5% less than that of system case 3 (DG/battery) and system case 5 (DG-Only). To have a good understanding of the operation of various system configurations considered, details of the system's battery storage status and power flow are discussed via the energy balance of the various system configurations. This analysis shows operating cost, fuel cost, COE, fuel consumption, and renewable fraction are sensitive to the variation in all the considered sensitivity parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for energy in rural and remote areas is increasing, and it is exacerbated in developing countries. The wellbeing of communities and citizens depends on access to clean electricity to improve quality of life. An uninterrupted supply of electricity is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that has highlighted the needs and challenges in remote areas. The complexity of designing strategies and solutions is further augmented for villages located in protected areas, national parks, and wildlife refuges, the conservation of which is fundamental to achieving climate, environmental, and ecologic objectives. Fossil fuel-based electricity generation and large-scale transmission networks pose a potential threat to the achievement of SDGs in such areas. This research investigated the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology as a renewable energy source (RES) that can cover energy needs of rural areas in a continuous, secure, and sustainable manner. In this study, the feasibility of using solar energy to electrify remote settlements located in protected areas of Iran (Khorasan-e-Razavi) was evaluated using a multi-criteria, GIS-based methodology. A set of criteria was selected to evaluate the suitability of solar PV, including solar irradiance and duration, aspect, temperature, precipitation, and humidity as well as proximity to faults, roads, and rivers. Using the best worth method (BWM), the relative weight of the selected criteria was calculated. The results showed that almost 2% of the region's area is very highly suitable and another 23.5% is highly suitable. This 25% represents an area of 1500 km2 and includes 63 villages. Evaluation of census data showed that available building areas can cover the villages' residential demand using rooftop PV systems. Nonetheless, local and national government support is necessary to develop an effective strategy that results in successful implementation. • A fuzzy approach was used to evaluate influential factors of solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment. • The Best-Worth Method (BWM) was employed to calculate the relative weights of selected factors. • Build-up areas can cover villages' residential demand using rooftop PV systems. • Integrating GIS and BWM proved to be an effective technique to create suitability maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, power system operators are exploring ways to leverage the capabilities of smart meters to implement fine-grained demand side management (DSM). This paper presents a new simulation tool to evaluate operating strategies for smart-meter-enabled (SME) islanded microgrids being advanced for sustainable rural electrification in emerging economies. Based on MATLAB/Simulink, the tool's component-level models of small microgrids can be easily configured. Alternative rule-based operating strategies are implemented with controllable supply and storage components as well as other components driven by external factors (e.g., weather and time of day). To account for the wide range of possible operating conditions in real-world applications, statistical metrics can be evaluated using Monte Carlo (MC) methods based on user-defined, time-dependent probability distributions for demands, supplies, and environmental variables. Features of the tool are demonstrated with case studies for a representative microgrid in rural Rwanda. • Smart meters enable fine-grained monitoring and control of individual building demands for energy management. • Microgrids advance sustainable, rural electrification, which is especially important in developing areas with low capital. • This paper presents PLASMiS, a simulation tool to model microgrid operating strategies with smart meter DSM capabilities. • PLASMiS probabilistically models operations with Markovian supply and demand inputs with and without load-shedding DSM. • PLASMiS allows different rule-based energy management strategies to be implemented and quantitatively compared. • Supply and storage options can be modeled as either controllable or driven by external factors (e.g., weather and time). • To account for the wide range of possible outcomes in a real-world system, the tool is fundamentally probabilistic. • The tool simulates microgrids in any region, and it is initially applied to case studies for a typical Rwandan microgrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We estimate the impact of market concentration on solar home system installations. • We study 503 rural off-grid energy markets in Bangladesh over 15 years. • An increasing market concentration reduces new installations and total capacity. • Market concentration strongly affects rural households buying small systems. • The supply structure needs to be addressed to achieve universal electricity access. Markets have an important role in the emergence and diffusion of renewable energy technologies. This paper investigates the impact of market concentration on solar home system installations in rural off-grid energy markets of Bangladesh. We use an extensive dataset that includes 4.11 million solar home systems installed in 503 markets over 15 years (2003–2017). We show that an increase in the degree of market concentration reduces both the number and the total capacity of installed solar home systems after controlling for relevant demand- and supply-side factors. The marginal effect is non-linear and is particularly strong at a higher degree of market concentration. Additionally, we find heterogeneous effects of market concentration depending on the size of the installed solar home system and customer group. Our study implies that policymakers and development authorities should take the supply structure of rural off-grid energy markets into account when designing universal electrification policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents various aspects of harnessing solar energy and green hydrogen which is one of the objectives of the EU and Poland's energy transition. Theoretical issues were examined on the basis of the analysis of available source literature on renewable energy sources (RES), green hydrogen and energy transition. The research methods used in this paper include: critical analysis of the source literature, comparative analysis method and secondary data analysis. The article describes actions taken in Poland to facilitate the energy transition associated with harnessing solar energy and green hydrogen and presents author's diagram of energy transition related to RES and green hydrogen in EU and Poland. The analysis and assessment carried out in the article indicated that the new concept of operation of the entire energy market and its transition involves the integration of three sectors: transport, heat engineering and power engineering. In the future, green hydrogen will enable a reduction of CO 2 emissions from the power engineering and heat engineering sector to zero. Importantly, the electrification of heat engineering and transport based on domestic renewable energy sources will render Poland independent of the energy resources from other countries. The issues as presented in the article concerning renewable energy sources, green hydrogen and energy transition have not been collectively studied in Polish and foreign literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty per cent of the people without access to electricity live in rural areas. Due to high investment costs in the grid, the solution to providing electricity to these people will mainly rely on the installation of islanded hybrid microgrids. Designers need to consider a variety of factors for the optimal design of hybrid microgrids. However, many of these criteria are qualitative or uncertain. This paper provides a novel methodology to assess the influence of such criteria in the design of a Hybrid Microgrid of Renewable Energy Sources (HRES). The method combines context analysis, literature review and the Analytic Network Process (ANP) through panels of experts and surveys. The methodology ranked the criteria and helped to design a HRES in an isolated Honduran rural community in the Mesoamerican Dry Corridor. The study presents a review and classification of the main criteria and energy technologies considered for the design of HRESs in rural communities. The most influential factors turned out to be the institutional support, the possible expansion of the grid to the community and the availability of local energy resources. Regarding energy technologies, photovoltaic and wind power ranked as the preferred followed by a biomass gasifier as backup. • Access to electricity will largely depend on new microgrids. • The article presents a novel methodology to select energy technologies of a HRES. • Institutional support largely affects the design of hybrid microgrids. • Solar PV is the preferred energy technology for a microgrid in Honduras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy resources and technologies, especially solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, can provide advantageous and clean options for meeting electrical demands. The location and sizing of photovoltaic systems affect the system losses significantly. Here, a new hybrid framework for the optimal location and size for an off-grid solar/hydrogen energy system is proposed using an improved heuristic approach: improved harmony search and geographic information system (GIS). To determine the appropriate capacity and location for a grid-independent photovoltaic scheme in rural areas, a GIS module is used subject to several criteria: social, economic, technical, and environmental. The life cycle cost, the main objective function, is minimized and employed to assess the viability of the stand-alone photovoltaic scheme with hydrogen storage accounting for the reliability of the scheme. The system reliability is measured with the parameter loss of power supply probability. The proposed framework is useful, and is applied here to an actual case study in Iran for illustrative purposes. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, the results obtained by proposed algorithm are compared with those of harmony search algorithm-based geographic information systems. The results of the simulation show the advantages of utilizing the proposed framework, based on improved harmony search and geographic information systems, for a grid-independent photovoltaic scheme considering both power quality and cost in remote and island areas. • A hybrid framework is developed for the optimal size and location for a grid-independent solar/hydrogen scheme. • A GIS module is presented for optimal sites for off-grid PV systems. • An improved heuristic approach is developed for size optimization. • Results are compared for the improved harmony search and the harmony search algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose optimization strategies for cooperating households equipped with renewable energy assets and storage devices. We consider two system configurations: In the first configuration, households share access to an energy farm, where electricity is generated from renewable sources and stored in battery banks. In the second configuration, households are equipped with their own renewable energy sources and storage devices, and are allowed to share energy through the grid. The developed optimization model takes into account location and time-varying energy prices as well as energy transfer fees. To design our strategies, we first establish performance bounds, and compare the two configurations in terms of achievable savings and usability of renewable energy. Then, we devise real-time energy management algorithms by incorporating forecasting techniques in the proposed framework. Simulation results show that the proposed strategies outperform existing solutions by up to 10%. It is also shown that cooperative strategies outperform greedy approaches by up to 6.8%. • Distributed generation outperforms centralized generation due to spatial diversity. • Cooperative energy management outperforms greedy approaches by up to 6.8%. • Proposed real-time optimization outperforms existing solutions by up to 10%. • Proposed real-time optimization handles forecasting errors of up to 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming is causing a major ice retreat from the North Pole. From now on, this retreat allows almost permanent movement between East andWest off the coast of the Russian Federation along the Northern Sea Route (NSR). For a long time, navigators have been trying to use this route which significantly reduced the distance between continents. The amount of freight that currently travels on the NSR will inevitably increase in the coming years. To reduce environmental risks, one possible option is not to supply ships with heavy fuel oil. The ships could then be electrically powered and navigate in stages from one port to another along the route to refuel for energy. This electrical energy can be produced on site from renewable energy sources. In this article, a first feasibility analysis is outlined, taking into account the tonnage constraints for navigating on a possible route for the NSR, the cost of energy production and the possible location of several ports of call. Under current economic conditions, the solution would not be profitable as it stands, but should become so at a later stage, which justifies starting to think about a future full electrification of navigation on the NSR, which will also contribute to the economic development of the Russian Federation northernmost regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to redesign and refinance a rural microgrid on the small island of Koh Jik in Thailand. A series of microgrid scenarios were modeled and evaluated using HOMER software with the aim of providing techno-economic insights on the sustainable redesign of a rural and resilient system. Existing assets were analyzed and integrated into a new system design, whereby the addition of extra PV panels and replacement of current lead-acid (LA) battery by a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery increased the renewable fraction of electricity generation from an estimated 55%–83%. The system was optimized holistically to provide the lowest cost of electricity (LCOE) combined with the highest renewable fraction in order to attract private investment for such electricity access projects. A LCOE as low as 0.220 €/kWh was obtained for Li-ion, compared to 0.307 €/kWh for the LA basis translating into a project payback as low as 6.3 years (IRR 15.28%). All the modeling economics were cross-checked with a cash flow statement model using the island's financial books and current price of electricity (a common practice amongst private investors) and showed that the HOMER modeling results were within a range never exceeding 4%. Comparison of scenarios clearly outlined the advantages of Li-ion microgrids over LA in all aspects except capital expenditure, explaining why as of today, rural electrification projects still commission less sustainable LA systems due to initial capital constraints. While the battery CAPEX price per kWh storage was found still considerably lower for LA, in order to reach high renewable fractions (60% and up) larger battery banks are required, thus driving project costs higher and closer to Li-ion prices. Positive lessons learned from Koh Jik case study can increase the confidence of both investors and governments while accelerating such initiatives in neighboring Southeast Asian countries or other territories around the world struggling with island electrification. Fully redesigned micro-grid system and cost breakdown incurred by investors. Image 1 • Size of storage capacity directly dictates the renewable fraction of systems. • Very high Li-ion CAPEX, hinders the deployment of rural electrification projects. • HOMER model economics and financial model cash flows results within 4% deviation. • Payback period as low as 6.3 years was obtained for a Li-Ion battery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mini-grids have been widely developed for rural electrification purposes in Kenya, predominantly as systems combining photovoltaic modules (PV), a diesel generator, and battery capacity. (Small) wind turbines have been largely neglected in such setups and are basically non-existent in Kenyan mini-grids despite potential complementarity with PV due to different temporal production profiles of PV and wind power. This study investigates why small wind turbines have largely been omitted from Kenyan mini-grids from both a techno-economic and diffusion theoretical perspective. A techno-economic model is used for backtesting the feasibility of a hybrid PV/wind system, and building upon theories of innovation and diffusion of technology a conceptual framework is developed and applied for assessing the state of the Kenyan mini-grid sector and categorizing identified barriers accordingly. The article thus suggest an interdisciplinary approach to investigating the potential role of small wind power in energy systems transitioning towards renewables. The techno-economic modelling shows that PV/wind hybrids have both technical and economic potential at average wind speeds above 4.5 m/s but little relevance below. Comprehensive barriers within the technical, economic and systemic spheres are encountered by established stakeholders of the Kenyan mini-grid sector, severely hindering diffusion of hybrid PV/wind solutions. • The complementarity of solar and wind resources is explored in a mini-grid setting. • Energy system analysis backtesting the feasibility of hybrid PV/wind solutions for a Kenyan case. • Assessment of barriers to the diffusion of hybrid PV/wind mini-grids in Kenya. • Hybrid PV/wind solutions show techno-economic potential to reduce LCOE. • Substantial systemic, technical, and economic barriers hinder diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing power to rural communities, which are far from the grid and suffer from lack of energy access in Africa, especially in Benin, in a sustainable manner requires the adoption of appropriate technology. This paper aims at analysing the techno-economic feasibility of hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for sustainable rural electrification in Benin, using a case study of Fouay village. HOMER software is used to perform optimization, simulation and sensitivity analysis. The analysis showed that hybrid solar photovoltaics (PV)/diesel generator (DG)/battery (of 150 kW/62.5 kVA/637 kWh) is the least cost optimal system. This system ensures a reliable power supply, reduces battery requirements by 70% compared to PV/battery system and achieves 97% CO 2 emissions reduction compared to a conventional DG. Moreover, the study demonstrated that the most economical HRES depends strongly on the potential energy sources available at a location and power plant's remoteness from the beneficiary. In summary, as solar radiation is an abundant resource across the country, this hybrid PV/DG/battery system can be a suitable model to power remote areas in Benin, and we recommend it for future electrification projects in the country in place of the current widely deployed PV/battery system. • PV/DG/battery is the least costly system with a COE of $0.207/kWh. • HRES (PV/DG/battery) reduces battery storage requirements by 70%. • PV/DG/battery system has a short payback period of 3.45 years and a high IRR of 33.3%. • The robustness of the system is discussed by performing the sensitivity analysis. • Optimised HRES (PV/DG/battery) is economically more viable than grid extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Standalone DC microgrid for remote off-grid locations. • 380 V DC Community grid with 72 V DC nanogrid members. • Roof-top solar PV installed homes with battery form nanogrid members. • Distributed renewable energy tapping and power management for rural electrification. • Flexible and scalable configuration. Roof-top solar PV and battery systems at individual homes form standalone DC nanogrids to electrify off-grid remote locations. To improve the reliability and sustainability of these installations, interconnections are required, forming a DC Community Grid (DCCG). A novel 380 V DCCG with 72 V nanogrid (home) members is proposed for this low voltage standalone DCCG. It is also proposed to adopt a decentralized power management strategy which utilizes the concepts of DC bus signaling and adaptive droop control. Power flow algorithm based on adaptive droop equations are developed for individual converter interfaces so that each of the subsystems operate independently but in coordination. Only local measurements of input/output currents and voltages of the particular interface are required. Therefore, these are applicable to any of the converter topologies used as an interface for the renewable sources, batteries and nanogrid interconnections. The decentralized approach will mitigate the dependencies of DCCG on the communication network. With the proposed architecture and power management strategy, addition or removal of loads, sources, or storage units at nanogrid level or community level can be done as plug-and- play without modifying the existing system. The system has been extensively simulated and analyzed using MATLAB/Simulink R2021b and further experimentally verified with closed loop operation using Spartan – 6 XC6SLX25 FPGA in FTG256 package. The experimental verification proves that the bus voltage variation is within the limits set by the power management algorithm while desired power sharing is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A systematic framework for the optimal design of hybrid energy systems is proposed. • The developed approach is applied to agriculture and irrigation area in Sudan. • Effect of uncertainty parameters on system design and cost is examined. • Solar-wind-diesel-battery-converter system is a cost-effective and reliable solution. • Renewable resources and interest rate have high influences on investment decision. Today, particular attention is being globally paid towards clean and sustainable energy system. The rapid development in renewable energy technologies, growth of energy markets, and adopted financial strategies and policies have the key role in achieving this target. This paper provides a comprehensive feasibility analysis of a gird-isolated hybrid renewable energy system for electrification of agriculture and irrigation area in Dongola, Sudan. A systematic and integrative framework combined with techno-economic optimization analysis for adequate planning and design of hybrid renewable energy system is proposed. Different hybridization cases of a solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, diesel generator, battery storage, and converter technologies, together with a diesel generator-based energy system as base case are modeled, evaluated and compared considering the stochastic behavior of renewable energy resources with a main target to find the most feasible and reliable solution with least system cost and realistic environmental impacts. This followed by a sensitivity analysis to reveal the effects of uncertainty in system parameters on the designed system and its economic performance. The obtained results indicate that solar-wind-diesel-battery-converter hybrid system is of optimal performance and superiority over the studied cases to serve the load demand of the investigated area. The system not only gets the minimum values of the total net present cost (24.16 M$) and levelized cost of energy (0.387 $/kWh), but also effectively achieves a positive return on investment of 39.94% and around 95% reduction in both carbon emissions and fuel consumption compared to the base case. Meanwhile, the result of sensitivity analysis demonstrates the high dependability of system cost on the volatility of solar radiation and wind speed as well as the changes in the rate of interest with the prospect of ignoring the effect of variation of diesel fuel price in the future investment decision. Finally, the output of this study is projected to raising the potentiality awareness of renewable energy in Sudan and providing a valuable reference about the optimal planning and utilization of hybrid renewable energy system in energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent, consistent accounting of climate-related energy targets is a fundamental building block to the architecture of international climate agreements. Many of these climate targets focus on the transition of the energy system which has led to the development of various energy transition scenarios. Now that fossil resources are being replaced by non-combustible and renewable energy sources a re-assessment of the applicability of the current set of metrics on which these energy scenarios are based is necessary. Now that energy derived from renewable and non-combustible resources with abundant availability but limited instantaneous availability becomes more prominent the ongoing electrification of the energy system combined with the decarbonisation of the electricity system has caused the current set of energy scenario metrics to become ambiguous. More specifically we show that Total Primary Energy (TPE) and its related indicators, Energy Efficiency (EE), Energy Intensity (EI) as well as the key metric Electricity Generation Capacity (EGC) have become unrepresentative, potentially misleading and for a large part irrelevant. This is problematic as these metrics steer climate policy and investment decisions based on statistical artefacts rather than valid representation of the energy system. This study concludes with a set of requirements on energy scenarios to overcome these problems that will lead energy scenarios to focus on Total Final Consumption within a mix of related energy metrics. • Decarbonisation of the energy system has caused energy scenario metrics to become ambiguous. • We show that TPE and EGC have become potentially misleading and for a large part irrelevant. • This is problematic as these metrics steer policy and investments based on statistical artefacts. • We conclude with a set of requirements that will lead scenarios to focus on Total Final Consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimum design and economic analysis of HRES for rural electrification in Korkadu. • RES are solar PV, wind turbine and bio-diesel generators. • Estimates the load forecasting for selected district in the Pre- HOMER analysis. • Desired HRES has to meet forecasted load demand for reliable electrification. This paper validates the optimal design and techno-economic feasibility of hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for rural area electrifying applications. Plan to a design of improved performance electrification system through village owned renewable resources, such as solar irradiations, wind speed and bio mass etc. The selected HRE system has to meet out electrical needs in optimum performance manner. Hear conducted a case study on remote village Korkadu is located in Union Territory of Pondicherry, India. The expected village demand of 179.32 Kwh/day and peak of 19.56 Kw was met with proposed HRE structure, which is consists of solar PV array, wind turbine, Bio mass power generator and Battery backup system in effectively. Load growth of the village was predicted through artificial neural network (ANN-BP) feed-back propagation and Levenberg-Marguardt (LM) data training optimum technique. Encounter the optimum performance of different HRE configuration was evaluated over by HOMER software. System's economic dispatch was analysed through various dispatch strategy and come across the proposing companied dispatch strategy has more economical and performance benefits as total NPC of system as INR 1.21 million, one unit energy generation cost as INR 13.71 and annual battery throughput as 36.648 KWh/yr. This study also expresses the comparison analysis between proposed HRES structure performance with basic utility grid extension. The consequence of the proposed work shows the HRES in remote location can be a cost effective solution for sustainable development of rural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First time the solar-wind-biogas-VRFB integrated micrgrid is modeled and validated. • The capacity optimization and energy management with lowest LCOE is done by HOMER. • Peak load shaving with optimal sources and grid is shown by PSCAD using real data. • Optimal schedule of renewable sources and VRFB ensures zero LPSP at consumer end. • Financial study of hybrid microgrid demonstrates project viability and up scaling. Uninterrupted access to electric power has become the basic need of today's world. Rural parts of many countries still do not have access to electricity or have electric power access to weak distribution grids with inadequate transmission and distribution system infrastructure. However, the countries where there is an abundance of solar radiation, a good potential of bio-degradable waste and average availability of wind source, access to electricity for those remote areas can be managed by distributed power generation. Considering the fact that the renewable energy sources (Solar, Wind etc.) are intermittent in nature, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and other reservoirs like biogas energy sources are the potential candidates to be integrated with the renewable sources to ensure continuous access to electricity and energy security. In this paper, a unique combination of Solar PV, Wind, Biomass and Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) storage integrated hybrid Microgrid has been modeled and implemented practically for the first time. The capacity selection of different renewable sources for satisfying daily energy demand and their techno-commercial optimization has been performed through HOMER simulation. Further, the peak load shaving that is a limitation of HOMER model, has been established through PSCAD simulation by providing the real life data of different renewable sources, VRFB storage and the load profile as input to the model. The simulation model performances have been validated by a practical 10 kW P solar PV, 1 kW wind and 15 kVA Biogas generator integrated with 1 kW 6 h VRFB storage based Microgrid installed at India Institute of Engineering Science and Technology campus, India. In addition to these, zero loss of power supply probability (LPSP) has been ensured by implementing smart scheduling and controller considering the intermittency of the renewable sources. As a part of the financial analysis, project Investment on Return (IRR) and pay back has been calculated considering initial investment, operation and maintenance cost and revenue of generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standalone solar photovoltaic systems are increasingly being distributed in Ethiopia, but these systems are sub-optimal due to their intermittent power supply. A hybrid system that integrates and optimizes across solar photovoltaic and complementary energy sources, such as wind and diesel generation, can improve reliability, and reduce the unit cost of power production. This study assesses the potential of a hybrid system to electrify a remote rural village in Ethiopia. The Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables model is used to assess primary data, develop a load profile and identify the optimal least-cost system option for the village. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the effect of variations in solar radiation, wind speed, and diesel price on optimal system configurations. The results show that a hybrid system with a combination of photovoltaic array, wind turbine, battery and diesel generator is the best option from an economic point of view. To meet the village's daily peak demand of 19.6 kW, energy generation cost is estimated at 0.207 dollars per kilowatt hour and net present cost at 82,734 dollars. The optimal system allows for a reduction of 37.3 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year compared with diesel-only electricity generation. • Feasibility of photovoltaic-wind-diesel based hybrid system is carried out. • Questionnaire survey based primary data used for load calculation. • Optimization model is used for system optimization and sensitivity analysis. • Model result shows the unit cost of electricity at $0.207 for a feasible system. • Optimal system allows a significant reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cameroon is blessed with a vast potential of renewable energy resources: solar, biomass, hydropower, wind and geothermal energies. These resources are currently poorly valorized. The country depends mainly on hydropower for its electricity supply and traditional biomass for its energy consumption. This dependency on hydropower causes acute power shortage nationwide, especially in remote communities where grid access is limited. Rural electrification is mainly conducted through costly grid extensions, small hydro and diesel plants with enormous health and environmental effects. This study assesses the feasibilities of hybrid renewable power systems for remote applications in Southern Cameroons using the climate data of Wum. HOMER was used to perform the comparative analysis. Nine hybrid systems were considered in this study based on the following components: PV module, wind turbine, micro-hydro turbine, diesel generator, battery, charge controllers, and inverters. Two energy sources and storage battery characterized each system. The PV/diesel/small hydro/battery was found to be the most viable economic system for Southern Cameroons with a 0.443$/kWh energy cost. The optimum system was proven to be very resilient to variations in streamflow, interest rate, fuel price, and PV cost. This outcome was found to be highly relevant to policy makers and investors in Cameroon. Highlights • PV/diesel/hydro/battery found to be the most viable system with a COE of 0.443$/kWh. • Outcome found to be highly relevant to policy makers and investors in Cameroon. • Hybrid off-grid renewables shows promising prospects for remote applications. • Limited studies in renewables, less state efforts to boast and revitalize the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 1.1 billion of the world's population still does not have access to electricity in the 21st century. Most of that population resides in the rural communities in developing countries in South Asia, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Access to electricity can eliminate existing problems related to health, education, social life, economy and the environment, and can increase the income of underserved communities. Most of the yet to be energized regions are in remote, isolated areas, that cannot be serviced through the central grid. While decentralized diesel generators can potentially be installed in these areas, they have a poor effect on climate change mitigation. Clean renewable energy alternatives for off-grid systems are being deployed to reduce the non-electrification rate in the world, and The United Nation Foundation's 2030 Agenda has the objective of universal access to electricity by 2030. While there has been some progress towards that goal, the challenges are countless. If no changes in models, policies and practices are made, the universal access objective will not be achieved, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa that has a level of electrification projection of 30% by 2030. To determine the necessary changes, this paper reviews the rural electrification initiatives in eight developing countries, from Asia to Sub-Saharan Africa to Latin America, and aims to provide an assessment of their success and to discuss the lessons that can be learned and applied on future initiatives. Highlights • Different approaches to first-access systems have been studied. • The role of policy-making and its impact on project success is highlighted with real examples. • Experiences of different countries and different regions have been compared. • Lessons learned from these experiences are shared and keys parameters for more effective project development have been shared. • The research direction of this field and possible future work are documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microgrids for rural electrification are expected to play a key role in achieving global energy access goals. However, the high cost of stand-alone microgrids intended to serve generally poor communities remains a key barrier to their deployment, while design and operation is challenging, given generally low diversity of loads and generators, and often high penetrations of variable renewable generation. Current practices for providing electricity access still often focus on the supply side with an emphasis on ensuring the reliability, affordability and security of electricity supply to meet user demand. This supply focus misses some key opportunities on the demand-side for providing low cost and reliable energy service delivery. In particular, rural communities may place very different relative values on various energy services, while there may be considerable flexibility in terms of when some of these energy services are delivered; due to inherent energy storage in the end-use equipment, or user willingness to shift the energy service itself. This paper presents a novel characterisation framework for energy services based on their relative flexibility and consumer prioritisation. Detailed survey data from 154 households across five microgrid sites in Nepal is used to test this framework, and assess the potential insights that it can provide for microgrid designers and operators seeking to reduce costs and improve reliability when serving poor rural communities. The five microgrids represent very different energy services and microgrid technology contexts, yet all would appear to have demand-side management opportunities that can trade-off cost and reliability and prioritise loads according to user preferences. Highlights • A new energy service characterisation framework has been developed, based on end-users' prioritisation and flexibility. • The framework will form the basis for improved demand-side management strategies for standalone microgrids. • 154 end-users' key energy service needs from five microgrids have been categorised using the framework, forming a useful basis for modelling these microgrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In many regions worldwide, the electrification of rural areas is expected to be partly achieved through micro power grids. Compliance with the COP21 conference requires that such systems mainly build on renewable energy sources. To deliver a high power and quality service may be difficult to be achieved, especially when micro-grids are based on variable renewable sources. We here explore the multiscale temporal variability of the local solar resource in Africa and its implication for the development of 100% solar systems. Using high resolution satellite data of global horizontal irradiance (GHI) for a 21-year period (1995–2015), we characterize the seasonality and temporal variability of the local resource. We focus on its low percentile values which give a first guess on the size of the solar panels surface required for the micro-grid to achieve a given quality service. We assess the characteristics and especially persistence of the low resource situations, for which the local demand would not be satisfied. We finally assess how the ability of electricity consumers for some day-to-day flexibility (e.g. via the postponement of part of one day as demand to the next), would help to achieve the design level of service quality with a smaller microgrid system. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • 1.1 billion people lack access to electricity in the world, 80% live in rural areas. • 100% solar microgrids (MG) are expected to provide electricity access in remote African areas. • The power service quality will depend on the seasonal and daily variability of solar radiation. • Using low percentile GHI values to design MG could help achieving a given power service quality. • Design should account for some clustering of low resource days in specific seasons or time sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A bi-level framework for design of rural microgrids considering annual load growth. • Uses decision analysis method in synergy with optimization tool. • A new level is introduced in the hierarchal structure of decision making model. • Demonstrates real-time case study of an unelectrified village in the hilly region. Abstract The complexity in the design of sustainable microgrids based on renewable energy sources have increased recently due to the involvement of multiple performance indices, scenarios, and stakeholders. At disintegrated level such as rural villages in developing nations, the issue has become more severe concerning the involvement of social and cultural characteristics making the problem multidimensional with multiple objectives. Thus, a proper method which can simultaneously consider the various criteria and differing views of the multiple actors involved in varying scenarios is required. In this paper, a bi-level framework based on the integration of decision making and optimization tool for the design of a rural microgrid with a perspective of sustainable development considering the annual load growth is presented. The first design level utilizes the decision analysis models to determine the best possible energy alternatives for the microgrid design considering the number of key performance indices formulating different scenarios and acts as input to the second level of the framework. A multi-objective computational optimization tool is utilized in the second level to carry out the feasibility analysis of best energy alternative in order to obtain an optimal size with a lower cost accounting yearly load growth. The proposed framework is then implemented to design a sustainable microgrid for an unelectrified village in the hilly region. Most importantly the microgrid design based on the proposed methodology for the target site utilizes the available local resources such as solar, hydro with the dam, hydrokinetics based on river water streams, etc. as the primary energy generating sources with a diesel generator as back up along with battery and pump-hydro storage as storage systems. A total of 23 alternatives depending upon the different combination of energy sources and storage is constituted in a centralized off-grid system. Moreover, four primary performance criteria (social, technical, economic and environment) with 20 sub-criteria in 29 different scenarios are considered for evaluating the microgrid which is highly unlikely to be observed in literature so far. A discursive result illustrating the various profiles (generation and storage system) of the microgrid based on daily, monthly and yearly basis accounting the load growth is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar home systems are recognized as a promising technology to mitigate energy poverty, promote renewable energy, and achieve Goal 7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This study examines the determinants of solar home system adoption, with a focus on similarities and differences between households and micro-enterprises. Our original data, collected in rural off-grid villages in southern Bangladesh, reveal that households prefer relatively higher generation capacities for multiple purposes, while micro-enterprises prefer lower ones mainly for nighttime lighting. We confirm positive effects of higher economic status and negative effects of the existence of a smoker on solar home system adoption, which is similar for both households and micro-enterprises. On the other hand, households and micro-enterprises are different in two respects: (1) micro-enterprises are more likely to respond to unit prices of other alternative energy sources than households are and (2) households are more sensitive to prospects of grid expansion in the near future than micro-enterprises are. These findings imply that to progress the government’s goal of electrification for all by 2021, there are more effective ways for further promotion of solar home systems by distinguishing between the approaches to marketing for households and micro-enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, around 1.2 billion people remain without access to electricity in rural areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In order to achieve universal access, a wide range of institutions must be involved in long-term rural electrification programs within a regional and national scope. In this context, the main objective of this research is to propose an evaluation methodology which aims to promote continual improvement of the programs underway, by undertaking the appropriate modifications in terms of their design and implementation. In this regard, a formative approach is sought, as the programs underway require from elements for continual improvement. In addition, a management perspective is also sought, as the results focus on program leaders for the implementation of suitable modifications, as and when needed. The proposed evaluation methodology considers 4 sustainability dimensions: environmental, technical, socioeconomic and institutional, in turn composed of 15 criteria that allow the design and implementation of the program to be analyzed in detail. The criteria are assessed by means of indicators dealing with the specific conditions of each program. As a case study, the Venezuelan program "Sowing Light" is taken as an empirical application of the proposed methodology. Launched in 2005, this program has been developed in three phases, reaching 900 rural communities to date, and is expected to benefit 2020 more in the near future. Hence, the proposed evaluation methodology aims to provide useful results to compare RET-based electrification programs with conventional grid extension. Similarly, the methodology promotes continual improvement in favor of universal electricity access in rural communities in this country, as well as lessons learned that can be useful for the development of similar initiatives in other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan is an agricultural country and most of its population resides in rural areas. These communities have small power demands which can easily be met through proper utilization of renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV). The focus of this research work is to encourage people and government to develop zero energy communities which will greatly help to achieve sustainable energy infrastructure in the country. In this paper, feasibility of a grid-connected PV power system without battery backup is conducted for the climatic conditions of a rural community located in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan. RETScreen clean energy simulation tool is used to optimize and carry out feasibility analysis of the proposed PV system. The analysis is carried out based on project finances, fuel saving potential, energy production, capacity factor, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The financial viability of the project is studied by comparing it with the grid electricity. The results indicate that the proposed PV power plant can provide energy in remote areas at relatively better rates as compared to grid electricity. Furthermore, this initiative will help to reduce the emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and to achieve a sustainable development in the country. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to demonstrate and elaborate the effects of government incentives on different decision variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building and power generation decarbonization present new challenges in electric grid reliability as a result of renewable energy source intermittency and increase in grid load caused by end-use electrification. To restore reliability, grid-interactive efficient buildings can provide grid flexibility services through demand response. Reinforcement learning is well-suited for energy management in grid-interactive efficient buildings as it is able to adapt to unique building characteristics compared to rule-based control and model predictive control. Yet, factors hindering the adoption of reinforcement learning in real-world applications include its sample inefficiency during training, control security and generalizability. Here we address these challenges by proposing the MERLIN framework for the training, evaluation, deployment and transfer of control policies for distributed energy resources in grid-interactive communities for different levels of data availability. We utilize a real-world community smart meter dataset to show that while independently trained battery control policies can learn unique occupant behavior and provide up to 60% performance improvement at the district level, transfer learning provides comparable building and district level performance while reducing training costs. [Display omitted] • Tackles reinforcement learning challenges in energy management. • Up to 60% performance boost with independent battery control policies. • Transfer learning cuts training costs and maintains performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy transition rests on several pillars including the electrification of heating, transportation, and industry to enable the better exploitation of renewable energy sources. This changes the geography of the energy system, where power changes from being centrally produced to being more geographically distributed. The electrification will add new, large point demands to the electricity system. The distributed generation, point demands and a higher level of electricity transit all suggest grid impacts beyond design levels. Concurrently, the transition relies on coordinated actions at local and national levels with potential mismatch issues. This article probes into these developments for a larger Danish region. Based on a survey of local actions, it investigates whether the transmission grid can withstand the changes and to what extent grid limitations create barriers for industrial development. The work is based on geographical information system (GIS)-based analyses of production and demand, survey-based stakeholder consultation to unveil expected demand and production development, and grid analyses. Results indicate that the transmission system limits the development, and that permissions should not only be based on local conditions as reported by municipalities but should also factor in spatially distributed national targets. This thus calls for improved coordination between administrative levels. • Survey of near-and mid-term electricity demand increases. • Survey of near-and mid-term electricity production changes. • Energy system and transmission system load simulations for future scenarios. • Transmission grid sets a strong limitation on feasible development trajectories. • Analyses reveal a strong need to coordinate energy system and regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of off-grid hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) is essential to rural electrification and global decarbonization. Based on 299 journal papers in the recent five years, this work conducts a state-of-the-art qualitative review and quantitative bibliometric analysis on the sizing optimization of off-grid HRESs. An overview of system configurations, energy management strategies, performance evaluation indicators, and sizing methodologies are presented, and bibliometric analysis is conducted to reveal the overall scope and mainstream of this research field. Finally, promising future works are summarized on the basis of current research gaps. The results of bibliometric analysis indicate that: (1) solar photovoltaic and batteries are the most common energy source and energy storage respectively, and wind-photovoltaic-battery-diesel is the most popular system configuration; (2) most researchers apply rule-based energy management strategies rather than optimized strategies, owing to their advantages of simple implementation and fast computation; (3) 97.99% of articles considers economic indicators in the sizing optimization model, and techno-economic feasibility is the essential research foundation at the planning stage; (4) meta-heuristic algorithms and the HOMER software tool are the two most popular sizing methodologies for off-grid HRESs. In future works, hybrid energy storage systems, deep reinforcement learning-based energy management strategy, sustainability and resilience indicators, as well as distributionally robust optimization-based sizing methodologies are promising research directions. Overall, the presented overviews and outlooks can provide holistic theoretical knowledge about sizing optimization research for practitioners, thus promoting the academic progress and practical implementation of off-grid HRESs. • Qualitative review and quantitative bibliometric analysis on energy system planning. • Overview of conventional and emerging renewable energy and storage technologies. • Classification of energy management strategies integrated with sizing optimization. • Multi-perspective projection of future works based on current knowledge gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]