Optimal design and techno-economic analysis of a hybrid renewable energy system for off-grid power supply and hydrogen production: A case study of West China

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 CO2 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. (c) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the techno-economic feasibility of a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system for remote rural communities, showing that the system is cost-competitive and helps reduce carbon emissions.