In the bustling port city of Lobito, Angola, a novel approach to renewable energy is taking shape, one that could potentially reshape the energy landscape not just in Angola, but across regions grappling with waste management and energy poverty. Researchers, led by Salomão Joaquim from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NOVA University Lisbon, have proposed a hybrid renewable energy system that combines municipal solid waste (MSW) gasification and solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Their findings, published in the journal Energies, offer a promising solution to some of the most pressing energy challenges in the region.
The study investigates a fixed-bed downdraft gasifier for MSW gasification, which produces syngas rich in carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This syngas, after treatment to remove contaminants, powers a combined cycle, generating a substantial amount of electricity. Complementing this is a PV system designed to harness the optimal solar radiation in Lobito, further boosting the energy output.
The hybrid system is projected to generate a total of 62 GWh of electricity annually, with the gasifier contributing 42 GWh and the PV system adding 20 GWh. This output is sufficient to power 1,186 households, demonstrating a significant integration mechanism that mitigates the intermittency of solar energy through continuous MSW gasification.
“One of the key advantages of this hybrid system is its ability to address two critical issues simultaneously: waste management and energy generation,” Joaquim explains. “By converting municipal solid waste into energy, we not only reduce the environmental impact of waste but also create a sustainable energy source.”
Economically, the system achieves a Levelized Cost of Energy of 0.1792 USD/kWh and a payback period of 16 years. However, the extended payback period is primarily due to the hydrogen production system, which has a low production rate and is not economically viable. When excluding hydrogen production, the payback period is reduced to 11 years, making the hybrid system more attractive for investment.
Environmentally, the system offers substantial benefits, including a reduction in CO2 emissions of 42,000 tons per year from MSW gasification and 395 tons per year from PV production. This not only helps combat climate change but also addresses waste management challenges, promoting sustainable development in Angola.
The study highlights the mechanisms behind hybrid system operation, emphasizing its role in reducing energy poverty, improving public health, and promoting sustainable development. As Joaquim notes, “This system has the potential to be a game-changer in regions with similar challenges, offering a sustainable and economically viable solution to energy needs.”
The research underscores the importance of integrating different renewable energy sources to create a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. By combining MSW gasification and PV technology, the hybrid system not only enhances energy security but also contributes to environmental sustainability and economic development.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and energy poverty, innovative solutions like the one proposed by Joaquim and his team offer a beacon of hope. Their work serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the potential of hybrid renewable energy systems to transform the energy sector. With further advancements and investments, such systems could pave the way for a more sustainable and energy-secure future.