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@article{Baranda:2021:10.1016/j.seta.2021.101095,
author = {Baranda, Alonso J and Sandwell, P and Nelson, J},
doi = {10.1016/j.seta.2021.101095},
journal = {Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments},
pages = {1--18},
title = {The potential for solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids in refugee camps: A case study of Nyabiheke camp, Rwanda},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101095},
volume = {44},
year = {2021}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Electricity access in refugee camps is often limited to critical operations for humanitarian agencies and typically powered by diesel generators. We study the economic and environmental benefits that optimised fully renewable and diesel-hybrid mini-grid designs can provide in humanitarian settings by displacing diesel use. Considering the case study of Nyabiheke camp in Rwanda we found that these benefits are substantial, with total cost and emissions reductions of up to 32% and 83% respectively, and cost payback times ranging from 0.9 to 6.2 years. Despite their different cost structures, we find that all levels of hybridisation provide cost and emission savings compared to the incumbent diesel system, with hybrid systems being able to offset emissions more cost-effectively than fully renewable systems. We highlight how modelling tools can facilitate the introduction and progressive expansion of systems, improving asset utilisation and reducing lifetime costs compared to one-off installations, and can inform operational considerations on the ground. These benefits are enhanced when connecting productive users for whom demand matches the solar generation profile. Multiple energy needs and objectives can be met simultaneously but financial resources, environmental considerations and operational timeframes will influence the most appropriate system design for humanitarian actors on a case-by-case basis.
AU - Baranda,Alonso J
AU - Sandwell,P
AU - Nelson,J
DO - 10.1016/j.seta.2021.101095
EP - 18
PY - 2021///
SN - 2213-1388
SP - 1
TI - The potential for solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids in refugee camps: A case study of Nyabiheke camp, Rwanda
T2 - Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101095
UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213138821001053?via%3Dihub
UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/87126
VL - 44
ER -
Jenny Nelson
Professor of Physics
1007, Huxley Building
South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ