Comparative assessment of solar photovoltaic-wind hybrid energy systems: A case for Philippine off-grid islands

Geographic isolation limits energy access in remote Philippine islands. Among the few islands electrified, most are powered by diesel, a costly and unsustainable electricity source. Efforts on energy access should therefore consider affordable and sustainable renewable energy (RE) technologies. In this study, we simulated solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power integration in 147 diesel-powered Philippine off-grid areas. Different configurations of solar PV, wind turbines, lithium-ion batteries, and diesel generators were evaluated based on levelized electricity costs and RE shares. The simulations show that solar PV should be utilized in all areas considered and wind power in 132 areas to guarantee reliable and continuous energy access with minimal costs. The hybrid energy systems have an average electricity cost of USD 0.227/kWh, an average RE share of 58.58 %, and a total annual savings of 108 million USD. The sensitivity analysis also shows that dependence on solar and wind power in Philippine off-grid islands is robust against uncertainties in component costs and electricity demand. With the promising off-grid solar PV and wind power potential in the country, policies that support RE-based hybrid grids should be implemented to address the trilemma of energy security, equity, and sustainability. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Geographic isolation in remote Philippine islands limits energy access, with most islands relying on costly and unsustainable diesel power. A study shows that utilizing hybrid energy systems with solar PV and wind power can ensure reliable and continuous energy supply with minimal costs and increased shares of renewable energy.