System Modeling and Investigation of Rural Electrification Using Solar Power and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: A Case Study for Ayaber Kewet Woreda
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Renewable energy has become a critical component in supporting global development and industrialization. Among the various renewable options, solar energy stands out due to its widespread availability and environmentally friendly nature. Ethiopia is rich in natural resources, yet many of its rural regions, such as Ayaber in the Kewet Woreda, still lack access to electricity. This lack of electrification remains a major obstacle to economic progress and local business development.
This study explores the potential of providing electricity to Ayaber using a hybrid energy system that combines solar power with hydrogen fuel cell technology. To address the limitation of solar power’s intermittency—particularly its inability to generate electricity at night—the system integrates fuel cells as a backup power source to ensure reliable energy supply during non-sunny hours.
The design and optimization of the energy system were conducted using the Homer Pro Energy software, which utilized meteorological, technical, and economic data as inputs. Findings suggest that a combination of photovoltaic panels and fuel cells presents a feasible solution for rural electrification, with the potential to increase electricity access by approximately 0.1% of the population. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to assess how system performance and cost-effectiveness might improve as equipment prices decrease. The initial model yields a cost of energy (COE) of $0.345 per kilowatt-hour, which is slightly above the current market rate in Ethiopia. However, the analysis indicates that as the costs of fuel cells and electrolyzers decline—likely through large-scale production—the COE could drop to around $0.20/kWh, improving the system’s economic viability. While the present cost is relatively high, the prospects for cost reduction through technological advancement and manufacturing scale are promising. To further support the deployment of such hybrid systems, additional studies are needed to assess the integration of fuel cells with other renewable technologies, aiming to build a more robust and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Description
Keywords
solar powered hydrogen fuel cells, rural electrification, Ethiopia, environmental impact, economic feasibility