Optimal allocation of energy storage in a future congolese power system

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a dramatic electricity crisis. For the population, the access to electricity is 1% in rural areas, 30% for cities and 9% nationally. Energy supply based on renewable energy source is one of the promising solutions for now or in the future to deal with the limited fossil fuel resources as well as the emission of harmful waste. Out of various renewable resources the sun, wind and biomass associated with energy storage are considered to hold one of the most promising alternative to the electricity crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A large central power plant associated with many smaller power sources closer to customers can provide power to all provinces, cities, municipalities and villages of the DRC holding down the price. Using renewable energy generators at the location of high harvest potential, appropriate rating and location of storage and transmission system between different regions, a cost efficient system can be achieved. This study facilitates the best storage system associated with the integration of renewable energy technology into the multiple DRC power plant systems. The benefits of such systems will include high reliability, lower cost, and fewer blackouts. This research intends to present the solution that will produce electricity from renewable energies (Sun, Wind and Biomass) into the main grid at lower cost when using a suitable energy storage system.