Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, Ethiopia
In this study, we investigated the design and optimization of a hybrid energy system for Tulefa Energy Village in Ethiopia using the HOMER software. The village is off-grid, with the majority relying on traditional biomass while facing huge energy challenges. The design and optimization consisted of...
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| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Energy Nexus |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772427125000750 |
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| author | Sufyan Yakubu Tsegaye Sissay Tedla Sidique Gawusu Samuel Dodobatia Wetajega Mugisho Mugaruka Josue Nasiru Alhassan Getachew Adam Workneh |
| author_facet | Sufyan Yakubu Tsegaye Sissay Tedla Sidique Gawusu Samuel Dodobatia Wetajega Mugisho Mugaruka Josue Nasiru Alhassan Getachew Adam Workneh |
| author_sort | Sufyan Yakubu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In this study, we investigated the design and optimization of a hybrid energy system for Tulefa Energy Village in Ethiopia using the HOMER software. The village is off-grid, with the majority relying on traditional biomass while facing huge energy challenges. The design and optimization consisted of solar photovoltaic, wind turbines, battery storage, and a diesel generator to deliver reliable and sustainable electricity. Four configurations were modelled and analyzed based on key parameters such as technical, economic, and environmental impacts. Among the analyzed configurations, the optimal system which consist of 35 kW solar photovoltaic, 5.1 kW wind turbine, 15 kW diesel generator and 91 kWh battery storage achieved renewable fraction of 98.8 % with a levelized cost of electricity of $0.05018/kWh, and a total net present cost of $68,363. Additionally, the system demonstrated minimal fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it environmentally sustainable and economically viable. Sensitivity analysis was performed by changing variables such as discount rates, inflation rates, and fuel prices to assess the performance of the system. The results of this study indicate the potential of energy systems to drive rural development in Ethiopia by offering a scalable solution for off-grid communities. This adds to the international discourse on rural electrification, and therefore, to policies, engineering, and community development. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c9052c674d2a42c28f548c0c720e609c |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2772-4271 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energy Nexus |
| spelling | doaj-art-c9052c674d2a42c28f548c0c720e609c2025-08-20T02:39:28ZengElsevierEnergy Nexus2772-42712025-06-011810043410.1016/j.nexus.2025.100434Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, EthiopiaSufyan Yakubu0Tsegaye Sissay Tedla1Sidique Gawusu2Samuel Dodobatia Wetajega3Mugisho Mugaruka Josue4Nasiru Alhassan5Getachew Adam Workneh6Sustainable Energy Center of Excellence, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, P.O. Box 16417, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Pan African University Institute of Water and Energy Sciences-University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, Ghana; Corresponding authors.Sustainable Energy Center of Excellence, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, P.O. Box 16417, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaWhiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USADepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga, GhanaCentre des Recherches en Environnement et Géo-Ressources, Université Catholique de Bukavu, DR, CongoDepartment of Agricultural Engineering, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa, Upper West Region, GhanaSustainable Energy Center of Excellence, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, P.O. Box 16417, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Industrial Chemistry, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, P.O. Box 16417 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Corresponding authors.In this study, we investigated the design and optimization of a hybrid energy system for Tulefa Energy Village in Ethiopia using the HOMER software. The village is off-grid, with the majority relying on traditional biomass while facing huge energy challenges. The design and optimization consisted of solar photovoltaic, wind turbines, battery storage, and a diesel generator to deliver reliable and sustainable electricity. Four configurations were modelled and analyzed based on key parameters such as technical, economic, and environmental impacts. Among the analyzed configurations, the optimal system which consist of 35 kW solar photovoltaic, 5.1 kW wind turbine, 15 kW diesel generator and 91 kWh battery storage achieved renewable fraction of 98.8 % with a levelized cost of electricity of $0.05018/kWh, and a total net present cost of $68,363. Additionally, the system demonstrated minimal fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it environmentally sustainable and economically viable. Sensitivity analysis was performed by changing variables such as discount rates, inflation rates, and fuel prices to assess the performance of the system. The results of this study indicate the potential of energy systems to drive rural development in Ethiopia by offering a scalable solution for off-grid communities. This adds to the international discourse on rural electrification, and therefore, to policies, engineering, and community development.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772427125000750HOMERHybrid energySustainabilityRural electrificationEthiopia |
| spellingShingle | Sufyan Yakubu Tsegaye Sissay Tedla Sidique Gawusu Samuel Dodobatia Wetajega Mugisho Mugaruka Josue Nasiru Alhassan Getachew Adam Workneh Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, Ethiopia Energy Nexus HOMER Hybrid energy Sustainability Rural electrification Ethiopia |
| title | Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, Ethiopia |
| title_full | Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, Ethiopia |
| title_fullStr | Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, Ethiopia |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, Ethiopia |
| title_short | Hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development: An optimization and impact analysis of Tulefa Energy Village, Ethiopia |
| title_sort | hybrid energy system as driver of sustainable rural development an optimization and impact analysis of tulefa energy village ethiopia |
| topic | HOMER Hybrid energy Sustainability Rural electrification Ethiopia |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772427125000750 |
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