Cost optimization and development of hybrid energy systems for rural areas in Ethiopia with a balance of their energy need and resources availability (a case study-on TulUDIMTU)

This article presents a feasibility of standalone energy system comprising of wind and solar energy systems have been studied in order to implement in Tuludimtu town. In doing so Tuludimtu has been selected as a case site; consequently the wind speed (at 25 m) and the estimated solar radiation data of this town has been analyzed in such a way that, it would be easy for using HOMER software. The results show that; the wind energy potential is reasonable, with average wind speeds of approximately 5.15 m/s. However; the solar energy potential of the site can be classified as excellent as in the town the daily average solar irradiation is more than 6.24 kWh/m2/day. As a result the cost of energy of the designed energy system is found to be in the range of $0.35/kWh to $0.39/kWh which makes the system competitive in the Ethiopian's energy system.