A planning tool for pre-feasibility of wind-PV hybrid system

The success of renewable energy (RE) electrification projects depends largely on the selection of sites that have the appropriate conditions such as resources availability, existing grid distance, terrain characteristics, electricity demand and electricity usage pattern. Geographic Information System (GIS) can be used as an aid in the identification of suitable sites. The proposed method a site selection method using GIS, focusing on the potential for decentralized hybrid wind and PV systems in rural areas. It evaluates the wind and solar energy resources in a region and determines the potential of wind PV hybrid system (WPVHS) for meeting the electricity demand using GIS spatial data.The method used in this study for assessing the technical and financial viability of wind and solar resources could be used to investigate the potential for optimising renewable energy resources to meet local demand.

Autorentext

Tania Urmee is a lecturer at Murdoch University. Her research covers energy policy, energy efficiency and sustainable energy and development in developing countries. Dr Urmee has experience in conducting research with rural communities in Asia and the Pacific region and has field experience in introducing micro-credit for renewable energy.