Techno-economic and environmental assessment of hybrid energy configurations for dairy farm electrification using organic waste
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study evaluates the technical, economic, and environmental performance of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for Maizube Dairy Farm, Sabon Daga, Nigeria, using HOMER Pro software. Three configurations were analysed: solar-grid-battery, solar-diesel generator-grid-battery, and solar-biogas generator-grid-battery. These were compared with the existing system, which relies on an unreliable grid supported by a diesel generator. The evaluation considered Net Present Cost (NPC), Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE), renewable fraction, operating cost, system reliability, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Results show that the PV-biogas generator-grid-battery configuration achieved the best overall performance. The optimal system comprises a 163 kW solar photovoltaic array, a 30 kW biogas generator, 236 kWh battery storage, and a 96.2 kW converter. It recorded an NPC of $635,258, a LCOE of $0.195/kWh, and a renewable fraction of 79.8%. Compared with the existing system, the proposed configuration reduced NPC by 52.9%, LCOE by 56.0%, operating cost by 76.2%, and CO₂ emissions by about 84%. Sensitivity analysis confirmed its economic viability under varying diesel prices and nominal discount rates. Overall, the proposed system offers a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for dairy farm electrification in areas with unstable grid supply.
Institution: Tshwane University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Tshwane University of Technology
OpenAlex ID: W7213744518