Off-Grid Hybrid Electrical Generation Systems in Remote Communities: Trends and Characteristics in Sustainability Solutions

Abstract

The objective of this review is to present the characteristics and trends of hybrid renewable energy systems for remote off-grid communities. Traditionally, remote off-grid communities have used diesel oil-based systems to generate electricity. Increased technological options and lower costs have resulted in the adoption of hybrid renewable energy-based systems. The evaluated 168 studies from the period 2002–2019 considered energy developments in Asia, northern Europe, Africa and South America, with the great majority in the northern hemisphere (n = 152, 90.5%). Many of the studied systems were located in tropical (44.1%) and subtropical areas (31.0%). Our review shows that most of the studied approaches combined photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy and that diesel generators are the preferred backup system (61.3%), while batteries are the preferred method of energy storage (80.4%). Communities far from coasts have more options for renewable energy sources, such as biogas. Although half the studies were related to communities with access to marine-based renewable energy resources, their use was only referred to in fifteen studies. In terms of trends, the studies show a mature development of PV and wind-power technology for off-grid hybrid systems independent of the latitude, which is preferred as they are proven and accessible methods. The preferred storage method is batteries, and diesel is the preferred backup system given the low efficiency of PV and the intermittent character of wind power.

A Concept of a Sustainable productive remote community in Egypt powered by a Hybrid renewable energy system

“…Standalone energy systems in remote communities has been reviewed and analyzed in terms of general energy trends and characteristics by William et al [3]. These effective sustainability solutions showed better performance in the form of economic and environmental aspect over the traditional sources like diesel oil based systems.…”

Techno-Environmental Evaluation and Optimization of a Hybrid System: Application of Numerical Simulation and Gray Wolf Algorithm in Saudi Arabia

“…Network expansion may be a viable alternative for geographically isolated regions [22,23]. However, expanding the central electricity network to reach remote and geographically dispersed villages may not be economically viable, and off-grid solutions may be more effective [24,25]. Some rural areas use diesel generators to produce electricity.…”

Performance Analysis of Garissa Off-Grid Power Station

“…Complex geographic conditions and low energy demand make providing electrical energy by conventional methods impractical (that is, extension of electrical transmission networks and substations), especially in developing countries, where electricity is vital for economic participation and the social welfare of rural communities. Areas that do not have electricity generally also lack essential infrastructure like schools, medical centers, means of communication, access to potable water and others, which is reflects the fact that the human development indices of electrified communities are higher than those of communities without electricity (López-Castrillón et al, 2021).…”

“…Other negative effects of diesel include emission of greenhouse gases reduced air quality, high storage and transport costs, diesel fuel price instability, high maintenance needs and costs, poor human health, high training needs for operation and maintenance staff. And limited primary energy resource (López-Castrillón et al, 2021).…”