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Energy return on investment (EROI) of mini-hydro and solar PV systems designed for a mini-grid

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  • Kittner, Noah
  • Gheewala, Shabbir H.
  • Kammen, Daniel M.

Abstract

With dramatic cost declines and performance improvements, both mini-hydropower and solar photovoltaics (PV) now serve as core options to meet the growing demand for electricity in underserved regions worldwide. We compare the net energy return on energy invested (EROI) of mini-hydropower and solar electricity using five existing mini-hydropower installations in northern Thailand with grid-connected solar PV simulations. Both assessments use a life cycle perspective to estimate the EROI. We find that distributed mini-grids with penetrations of solar PV up to 50% of annual generation can exceed the EROI of some fossil-based traditional centralized grid systems. The analysis will help planners and engineers optimize mini-grids for energy payback and utilize local resources in their design. The results suggest higher EROI ratios for mini-hydropower plants than solar PV, though mini-hydropower plants typically yield lower EROI ratios than their large-scale hydropower counterparts.

Suggested Citation

  • Kittner, Noah & Gheewala, Shabbir H. & Kammen, Daniel M., 2016. "Energy return on investment (EROI) of mini-hydro and solar PV systems designed for a mini-grid," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 410-419.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:99:y:2016:i:c:p:410-419
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.07.023
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    9. Walmsley, Timothy G. & Walmsley, Michael R.W. & Varbanov, Petar S. & Klemeš, Jiří J., 2018. "Energy Ratio analysis and accounting for renewable and non-renewable electricity generation: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 328-345.
    10. Sadeghi, Hooman & Toghraie, Davood & Moazzami, Majid & Rezaei, Mohammad Mahdi & Dolatshahi, Milad, 2022. "Integrated long-term planning of conventional and renewable energy sources in Iran's off-grid networks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 134-162.
    11. Yi Zhang & Dapeng Zhang & Haoyu Jiang, 2023. "A Review of Offshore Wind and Wave Installations in Some Areas with an Eye towards Generating Economic Benefits and Offering Commercial Inspiration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-32, May.
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    13. Huang, Yu Wen & Kittner, Noah & Kammen, Daniel M., 2019. "ASEAN grid flexibility: Preparedness for grid integration of renewable energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 711-726.
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