Study of Hybrid System Development in Optimization of a Micro Hydropower Plant: Case of Kigwena in Burundi

Abstract

A significant characteristic of the power sector in Burundi is the very low level of electrification, mostly supplied to urban areas. However, Burundi has considerable potential for developing renewable energy technologies such as hydropower and solar PV. Despite this potential, a number of micro-hydropower plants have been constructed especially for rural electrification and are managed by Burundian Agency for Rural Electrification (ABER). Many of them have failed to provide reliable electricity in most of the remote areas due to the general reduction in the level of water and due to energy demand growth for the communities. This study aimed to identify a simple, reliable, viable and cost-effective hybrid power system to overcome the power supply intermittency from small scale hydropower system. Sizing, operation and control of the renewable sources in a hybrid power system are very essential for its techno-economic feasibility and stability. HOMER (Hybrid Optimization model for Multiple Energy Resources) software was used to develop an optimal hybrid power system design. From this study, it has been found that the most suitable complementary renewable energy source to the existing micro-hydropower to overcome energy generation fluctuations is a combination of the Kigwena micro-hydropower plant, solar PV technology and utility grid for smoothing unexpected intermittencies. From the analysis, these renewable energies were found to be the most techno-economical viable option to upgrade the capacity of the hydropower with the lowest LCOE of 𝑈𝑆$ 0.0334 /𝑘𝑊ℎ. This cost is within the range in comparison to the current electricity tariff in Burundi ranging from 𝑈𝑆$ 0.023/ 𝑘𝑊ℎ to 𝑈𝑆$ 0.072/𝑘𝑊ℎ. The study would be a replicable model for other areas facing similar challenges