Optimal microgrid power supply system for Nigerian detached communities: Environmental impact and energy cost criteria

Abstract

Climate change is a major contemporary global challenge. For developing countries like Nigeria, further challenge is poor power supply. Traditional power supply strategy has been through fossil-fuel based macrogrids. While most developed countries are replacing some macrogrids with renewable energy based microgrids, developing countries like Nigeria still maintain the status quo. This study intends to contribute to knowledge in the management of climate change and power supply in Nigeria through the adoption of microgrids as power supply strategy. In the study, data collected from a detached energy consuming community in Nigeria was used in a simulation using HOMER software for five different scenarios of energy resources combination, based on environmental impact and energy cost criteria. Results indicate that microgrids combining solar photovoltaic (SPV) and grid connection with battery energy storage (BES) are best in on-grid detached communities while microgrids combining diesel generators and SPV with BESare good for off-grid communities.