Powering communities using hybrid solar–biogas in Ghana, a feasibility study

Abstract

This study ascertained the possible use of a hybrid power system as an alternative sustainable energy source through hybridization of biogas and solar Photovoltaic (PV) system, in Ghana. A simple Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) method was used in selecting the three (3) representative renewable energy (RE) businesses based on registered energy projects by the Energy Commission (EC) of Ghana. The analysis compared the 3 business sites with regard to generating power: (1) feeding to the national grid (FiT) (2) for self-consumption (prosumers) and (3) for agricultural use (through irrigation). The result showed that hybridization of solar and waste to energy systems is feasible with the use of manual change over for small and non-critical applications and smart energy control systems for community based and critical applications. It also revealed that integrating solar PV system with an existing biogas plant is both feasible in terms of technical and cost-effective wise to boost the power production for daily usage. However, the hybrid power system would be viable at an operational cost of 40% revenue and at a FiT unit price of $0.17/kWh. Further, the study found that adding a biogas plant to an existing solar PV plant would be more expensive. In all, solar– biogas hybrid power system has a great future through its operational flexibility of mitigating potential shortfall in power, both seasonally and diurnally, and assuring a more secure and efficient supply of energy for communities both grid and non-grid connected. The use of energy from renewable sources, by its efficiency and reduction of carbon footprints, will contribute to the attainment of the core objectives of some key global protection and socio-economic development initiatives/programs including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) - namely SDGs 7,13.