Techno-economic feasibility analysis of optimally sized a biomass/PV/DG hybrid system under different operation modes in the remote area

This paper presents an integrated research framework for the techno-economic feasibility and optimal design of a hybrid energy system for a remote area. A mixed-integer linear programming model is developed for finding optimal solutions to satisfy electricity demand and ensure sustainability. The cost-efficiency and environmental benefits of the hybrid system under the stand-alone and grid-connected operation modes are evaluated and compared. Suifenhe, a remote border area in Northeast China was taken as the case study to verify this model. The results suggest that a grid-connected hybrid system consisting of solar power (28.17 MW), biomass generator (8.71 MW), and battery storage (79.51 MW) is the best economically feasible option to satisfy local electricity demand with the levelized cost of electricity of 0.1498 $/kWh. To achieve 100% electricity self-sufficiency, diesel generators would become the main component satisfying 70% of total demand due to the cost advantage and flexibility. Besides, a 100% renewable energy system is currently not economically feasible due to extremely high costs and considerable electricity supply surplus. Future decreasing PV capital cost and implementing carbon price would facilitate the development of renewable energy and the decarbonization of the power system.