Abstract:
The main goal of this research was to investigate potential of green hydrogen generation and integration into Rwanda energy market in Bugesera district Mayange/ village. The aim is to minimize grid dependency and promote the consumption of locally generated and stored energy from renewable energy. The optimum size of hybrid power system to supply load demand of Mayange village that counts high potential in solar energy was established by adopting energy balance method of HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources). A detailed hourly simulation analysis was conducted to determine the optimal size, cost, and performance of a hybrid energy system, utilizing two years of monthly averaged solar radiation collected for Mayange village (Latitude: 2o13.4ʹS, Longitude: 30o4.8ʹE). The findings indicated that a hybrid system consisting of a 21kW photovoltaic array, a 4-kW fuel cell system, a 12-kW power inverter, and a 4 kW electrolyzer with a 3 kg hydrogen storage tank. Importantly, this system delivers significant economic benefits, achieving over 84% energy cost savings, a return on investment of 53.6%, and a net present worth of $12,546, recoverable in under two years. Additionally, it reduces reliance on grid power, mitigates transmission and distribution losses, enhances energy security, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions from conventional sources, offering a financially viable and environmentally sustainable solution for Rwanda’s energy challenges.
