Abstract:
The current steep rise in energy demand by industrialization and urbanization has pushed human civilization towards renewable energy technologies. Pakistan, an underdeveloped country, has a shortfall of 6,997 MW of electricity. Being an agricultural country, Pakistan has the benefit of producing energy requirements from solar and biomass. The geological position of Pakistan has much potential for harnessing solar power. Layyah, a city in Punjab province, was used as a case study area. Solar radiation and rice husk as a biomass resource were found to be unstoppable electricity production. Homer software was used for the techno-economic analysis of the PV/Biomass hybrid system. Off-grid (PV-BM-DG-B) and On-grid (PV-BM-G) models were designed, where 300 kW configuration of biomass generator was feasible for Off-grid and 200 kW configuration of biomass generator for On-grid power generation, respectively. The techno-economic analysis revealed that Off grid with 300 kW biomass generator is feasible as it shows NPC, LCOE, and renewable penetration of 5.91 M$, 0.125 $/kWh and 99.8%, respectively, whereas, in On-grid system with 200kW biomass generator showed 3.51 M$, 0.0503 $/kWh and 97.9%, respectively. Environmental analysis revealed that these models would help to reduce carbon emissions compared to grid emissions. Off grid model with 400 kW is the most feasible model as it will need only 68 trees to absorb the 1305 kg CO2 in a year.
