Energy Production Analysis and Optimization of Mini-Grid in Remote Areas: The Case Study of Habaswein, Kenya

Abstract

15Rural electrification in remote areas of developing countries has several challenges 16 which hinders energy access to the population. For instance the extension of the 17 national grid to provide electricity in these areas is largely not viable. The Kenyan 18 government has put a target to achieve universal energy access by the year 2020. In 19 order to realize this objective, focus is being shifted to establishing off-grid power 20 stations in rural areas. 21Among rural areas to be electrified, Habaswein is a settlement in Kenya's North 22Eastern region without connection to the National Power Grid where Kenya Power 23 installed a stand alone hybrid mini-grid. 24Based on field observations, power generation data analysis, evaluation of the 25 potential energy resource and simulations, this research intends to evaluate the 26 performance of the Habaswein mini-grid and optimize the existing hybrid 27 generation system to enhance its reliability and reduce the operation costs. 28The result will be a suggestion of how Kenyan rural areas could be sustainably 29 electrified by using renewable energy based off-grid power stations. It will 30 contribute to bridge the research gap currently existing on that area, and it will be 31 a vital tool to researchers, implementers and the policy makers in energy sector. 32