Assessing Socio and Techno-economic Impacts of Hybrid Renewable Energy System with Energy Storage for a Rural Development in Malaysia

The electrification prospect in some rural areas in Malaysia is limited because of no access to grid connection. This challenge has aroused concerns among researchers and energy providers in finding an alternative source of energy. A hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) deems as a good alternative to overcome the problem. This study employs a linear programming model in estimating socioeconomic and techno-economic analysis of HRES at Tanjung Labian. The target location is a residential area in Sabah, with the major source of income comes from timber as most of the residents are engaged in forestry activities. The socioeconomic evaluation of this study reveals the minimum values of expected demand not served (EDNS) and loss of load probability (LOLP) from the hybrid PV-diesel with battery configuration and the result contributes to the highest number of students who passed the examination. Additionally, the results of the study also reveal that hybrid PV-diesel with battery configuration is the most economical and most environmentally friendly system when it is compared to other configurations. The results of this work may encourage the adoption of a hybrid renewable energy system with a battery system by replacing and upgrading existing standalone diesel generators system in Malaysia.

Automated summary

The study introduced a hybrid renewable energy system as an alternative to grid connection in rural areas of Malaysia, specifically focusing on a residential area in Sabah. It found that the hybrid PV-diesel with battery configuration is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, leading to improved educational outcomes for students. The results may encourage the adoption of similar systems to replace existing diesel generators in Malaysia.