HOMER-BASED ASSESSMENT OF HYBRID ENERGY SOURCES IN NIGERIA’S SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE
Abstract
The increasing demand for reliable and sustainable electricity in Nigeria, especially in the
South-South region, has necessitated the exploration of alternative energy solutions. This study
investigates the technical and economic feasibility of hybrid renewable energy systems using
the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. The South-South
zone, endowed with abundant solar and biomass resources and consistent diesel use, presents
a unique opportunity for hybrid system deployment to enhance energy access in off-grid and
underserved communities. The study involves the modeling and simulation of various hybrid
configurations—solar PV, biomass, diesel, and battery storage—to determine optimal system
design based on cost of energy (COE), net present cost (NPC), and reliability. Resource
availability, load demand profiles, and economic parameters were inputted into HOMER to
simulate different scenarios. The results highlight that hybrid systems incorporating renewable
sources significantly reduce COE and emissions compared to conventional diesel-only
systems. This study contributes to Nigeria's national electrification goals and provides a
replicable model for sustainable energy planning in similar regions. The findings also offer
insights for policymakers, energy developers, and investors focused on expanding
decentralized renewable energy systems in developing economies.
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