Futuristic feasibility analysis and modelling of a solar-biomass on-grid hybrid system for Hattar Industrial Estate Phase (VII), Pakistan

Abstract

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) is a frequently discussed topic in the energy sector world due to the rising energy prices and crisis. The cost-effective and uninterrupted power supply is the major challenge of the energy sector which is to be dealt with in this assessment work. In this study, an assessment of a solar-biomass on-grid HRES is carried out for Hattar Industrial Zone phase-VII. Historical electricity demand for different industries in Hattar industrial estate is accounted to develop the year-round load curve. The peak demand of about 130,000 kW with a reserve margin of 30% is considered as the base for techno-economic analysis of the proposed hybrid system. The energy model of this hybrid system is developed in Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER). The solar biomass on-grid hybrid system with different component sizes is analysed to get an optimal configuration having the least cost of energy (COE), net present cost (NPC) and initial capital investment (ICI). Moreover, the sensitivity analysis of the optimized configuration is carried out further against the input resource parameters like solar irradiance and biomass resource availability. Optimization and, sensitivity analysis resulted out that the 70,000 kW solar PV, 7000 kW biogas generator with the open-source grid is the most viable hybrid system option for the Hattar industrial zone phase-VII. This optimal system has the least COE, i.e., Rs 14.11/kWh ($0.092/kWh) amongst all the proposed configurations with a payback period of 4.6 years and there is a significant reduction in carbon emissions.