Modeling of a Cost-Effective Implementation and Utilization Scheme for Micro-Hybrid Plants in Rural Areas: A Case of Mayukwayukwa, Zambia

Abstract

Energy plays a very important role in people's lives, at the same time it contributes to economic development and growth. A sustainable energy system, supplying clean, affordable and reliable energy, is required in line with almost 70% of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) - SDG7 in rural areas where energy poverty is prominent due to no energy access. A model and simulation of various energy source combinations were conducted using HOMER Pro Software with data collected from a survey done in Mayukwayukwa, Kaoma district in Zambia. A review of current energy scenario and electrification plans for Mayukwayukwa is discussed and evaluated and the aim is to demonstrate the economic viability of hybrid micro power plants using local resources and provide alternative energy solutions that would meet the end-users energy demand. Biomass-solar PV combination is found to be an affordable, reliable, sustainable and continuous clean energy for a micro hybrid power plant.