Decentralized Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System Design in Nigeria, Case Study of Zaria Municipal

Electricity shortage in Nigeria is very critical hence, need arises for joint, adequate and timely intervention especially by incorporating the available alternative energy sources. This paper is aimed at designing a Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System for the case of Zaria, Nigeria. This was done by considering different scenarios starting from the conventional standalone diesel and gasoline generator systems to renewable off-grid hybrid system and finally to the proposed grid-connected renewable hybrid system design coupled with energy efficiency measures. The considered scenarios were addressed for a defined number of households and the clear benefits have been seen on implementing the proposed target as a transition from the conventional energy systems arising from grid unreliability and power shortages in the study region. In all the scenarios, physical components modelling, simulations and optimization were done using HOMER Pro Software, and finally the energy management aspect to the proposed grid-connected energy system scenario was addressed using ADVANCED EXCEL via a VISUAL BASIC Conditional Programming. The results obtained showed that the proposed scenario i.e. the grid-connected system design was the best of all the scenarios considered in terms of total NPC, LCOE, ghg emissions and pollutants. It ensures for example a total NPC and LCOE reduction from the off-grid hybrid renewable system scenario by 69%. Incorporating the energy efficiency measures to the proposed grid-connected scenario results in improved benefits hence an opportunity for a more rapid transition. Therefore, the proposed approach is the best to implement coupled with expansions for effective solution to energy deficit and climate change challenges in the country of study and the African continent at large.