Techno-economic and environmental analysis of biomass-based hybrid energy systems: A case study of a Western Himalayan state in India

India has a profuse reserve of renewables to contribute to energy sectors. In this study, a techno-economic and environmental analysis are carried out for an off-grid hybrid system as a case study in the western Himalayan region. Seven different hybrid systems with and without battery storage are simulated. The PV/Biomass gasifier/Battery based hybrid energy system is found to be the optimal configuration with the least cost of energy $0.185/kWh at an estimated total net present cost $76080 with 59% biomass and 41% PV contribution. A saving of 27.8 Mt CO2/year (equated to the diesel-only system) is predicted. Finally, sensitivity analysis is performed for critical parameter identification. Five (Solar radiation, biomass price, annual interest rate, biomass gasifier lifetime, and annual capacity shortage) out of nine sensitivity parameters is found to be critical. The outcome of the study is of importance to designers, researchers, policymakers on the latest design constraints and relevant policies for biomass-based hybrid systems.

Automated summary

The study identifies the PV/Biomass gasifier/Battery based hybrid energy system as the optimal configuration with the lowest cost of energy, providing significant CO2 savings compared to traditional diesel systems. Sensitivity analysis highlights five critical parameters for designers and policymakers to consider when implementing biomass-based hybrid systems.