Recent research published in Heliyon has shed light on the challenges and opportunities associated with stand-alone solar and wind power systems equipped with battery storage, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Led by Jean Guétinsom Kafando from the Laboratoire Energies Renouvelable et Efficacité Energétique in Burkina Faso, the study addresses the pressing need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions in regions where extending the public electricity grid is often prohibitively expensive.
The paper emphasizes that while autonomous photovoltaic (PV) and wind power systems are increasingly being adopted, their intermittent nature poses significant reliability challenges. This unreliability is a key reason for integrating battery storage technologies, which help to smooth out energy supply and ensure that power is available when needed. Kafando notes, “Electrochemical batteries are the main technology used for energy storage in stand-alone PV-wind systems due to their maturity compared to the other storage technologies.” However, the research also highlights that the cost of these batteries remains a barrier, particularly in the African context, limiting access to renewable energy for many communities.
The study reviews various energy storage technologies and performance criteria, focusing on optimal sizing and management techniques for these systems. It reveals a notable shift in methodology; traditional sizing and management methods are being increasingly replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. Kafando points out that “traditional methods are being used less and less, in favor of artificial intelligence methods, due mainly to their limited flexibility and inability to solve complex problems.” This transition to AI could enhance the effectiveness of energy management in remote areas, making systems more adaptable to fluctuating energy demands.
For the energy sector, the implications of this research are significant. As countries strive to meet climate goals and expand access to clean energy, the development of reliable and cost-effective stand-alone systems represents a vital opportunity. Companies involved in renewable energy technologies can look to invest in battery innovations and AI-driven management systems to improve the reliability and affordability of energy solutions for underserved regions.
The findings from Kafando’s research not only highlight the current landscape of energy storage technologies but also point toward future directions that could reshape how isolated communities access and manage renewable energy. The integration of advanced technologies in stand-alone systems could pave the way for more resilient and sustainable energy solutions, ultimately contributing to broader sustainable development goals.