Prospects of Hybrid Renewable Energy-Based Power System: A Case Study, Post Analysis of Chipendeke Micro-Hydro, Zimbabwe

Fossil fuel-based energy sources are the major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and thus use of renewable (RE) is becoming best alternative cater for increasing demand in both developing developed nations. Chipendeke a rural community Zimbabwe, which electricity partially served by only micro-hydro plant hence, load shedding regular practice keep essential services running. This study explored suitable opportunity identify feasible system with different that can fulfill current projected future community. A techno-economic feasibility hybrid RE based power (REPS) examined considering various cost functions. Six configurations have been designed sizing combinations most optimum solution locality environmental viability. The performance metrics considered evaluate model are; Net Present Cost (NPC), Energy (COE), Renewable Fraction (RF), excess seasonal variations. In-depth, sensitivity analyses performed investigate variations studied models little variation input variables. Of configurations, an off-grid Hydro/PV/DG/Battery was found be economically compared other configurations. had lowest NPC COE $ \$ 307,657 0.165/kWh respectively highest RF 87.5%. proposed could apply any remote areas region anywhere worldwide.