Design and Analysis of Optimal Hybrid Energy Supply System for a Remotely Located Village in Rwanda

This paper provides an optimal power generation method to speed up distant area electrification. The most substantial and readily available renewable source(s) are used to supply the hybrid baseload. Intermittent nonrenewable resources are employed to supply peak load. This work was done in Kibangu Sector, Muhanga District, Rwanda’s south. Simulation of the renewable energy model is used to establish the best generation system for the researched location. The system modeled hourly power demands and availability to produce an optimal power supply system configuration. Consider renewable energy resources, battery-based storage systems, and their cost and performance. The proposed energy supply system for Kibangu village was planned and studied using HOMER software. Simulation results show that renewable/alternative power generation can replace nonrenewable sources. Hydropower could provide 64 percent of the village’s total power, while solar could provide 35.5%.