Optimizing the deployment of hybrid renewable energy systems for developing countries: a framework approach to analyze the social, technical, economic, and environmental sustainability, demonstrated for Mozambique
| PhD ceremony: | Ms E.I. (Emilia) Come Zebra |
| When: | September 04, 2025 |
| Start: | 16:15 |
| Supervisors: | prof. dr. A.P.C. (André) Faaij, H.J. (Henny J) van der Windt |
| Where: | Academy building RUG / Student Information & Administration |
| Faculty: | Science and Engineering |
The deployment of rural electrification measures through off-grid mini-grid solutions is one of the most effective approaches for countries such as Mozambique to achieve universal access to electricity in an affordable, reliable, and sustainable manner. To assess the short- and long-term sustainability of various mini-grid projects in four villages (Mavumira, Sembezea, Mawayela, and Dongane), Emilia Come Zebra developed a framework that integrates various methods (life cycle assessment, hybrid optimization of multiple energy sources model, and input-output analysis) and indicators covering economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions. Data for the analysis were obtained through village interviews, literature, and HOMER and ecoinvent databases.
Come Zebra demonstrates that in places where multiple renewable energy sources (e.g., solar PV, hydropower, wind, and biogas) coexist, hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) deliver strong economic and environmental performance, for example, by reducing electricity costs and CO2 emissions. By applying the framework to the various case studies, a comprehensive overview of the economic, ecological, and social aspects and impacts of different HRES could be obtained, taking into account the local context, such as geography, resource availability, and demographics.
Come Zebra formulates several recommendations such as improving the availability of data, including location-specific data, which would further strengthen the framework and the analysis. In addition, she suggests to start long-term studies into the sustainability of the various mini-grid systems. An important policy recommendation is to develop specific incentives, subsidies, and guidelines for mini-grids.