Abstract
Electricity is a precondition to economic growth and development hence paramount. However, the source for the electricity generation is a strong indicator for sustainability. This paper offers a techno-economic assessment regarding the use of renewable-based electricity in a hybrid, looking at standalone and gridconnected scenario in the Northern Nigerian context for addressing energy deficits. In doing so, physical component modelling and optimization was done for both scenarios in seeing the overall techno-economic and environmental/emissions benefits. The results showed 15% increment in system energy generation, 77% decrement in Net Present Cost (NPC) and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), with avoided emissions all in favor of the grid-connected scenario. Hence, an opportunity for a massive and effective transition if well implemented and especially on a larger scale basis. This is indeed appropriate, provided utility grid security and stability are made certain as well as appropriate policy measures set in place in favor of such energy sector bloom for the case study country in the nearby future.
Keywords Electricity; modelling; optimization; gridintegration; off-grid; sustainability
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Energy Proceedings