Feasibility study of an off-grid based on renewable energy option for rural electrification in Rwanda

Abstract

Rwanda's government has a lofty goal of transitioning from a developing to a middle-income country. To accomplish this goal, the government intends to reach 100% electricity connectivity by 2024. However, this is still a challenge as to date in 66.7% of cumulative connectivity only 48.4% is connected to national grid. The main reason is that, the expansion of national grid to rural communities is expensive due to geographic nature of this country characterized by a thousand hills. Thus, most of rural communities are advised to use the alternative source of electricity generated from renewable energy sources. The aim of this research study is to analyze the technical feasibility and economic viability of an off-grid based on renewable energy option for rural electrification. In this study the typical load profile of Gihango village was elaborated and resources potential has been assessed. Using HOMER software, the best hybrid system was determined to supply the village at least cost. The selected system has to meet the total demand of 31270Kwh/year and is composed by Micro hydro power of 15.7Kw , storage batteries of 111Kwh and bidirection inverter of 9.92Kw. The micro hydro power provide 100% of total generation which is equivalent to 116,872Kwh/year where 3,849Kwh/year of this energy is stored by battery bank for later use in peak demand. Cost of energy(COE) of this optimal system is $0.161/Kwh and it was found to be economical compared to grid expension. There fore, This system economical, technical feasible and environmental friendly.