Dimensioning Microgrids for Productive Use of Energy in the Global South—Considering Demand Side Flexibility to Reduce the Cost of Energy

Microgrids using renewable energy sources play an important role in providing universal electricity access rural areas the Global South. Current methods of system dimensioning rely on stochastic load profile modeling, which has limitations microgrids with industrial consumers due to high demand side uncertainties. In this paper, we propose alternative approach considering management during design implemented a genetic scheduling algorithm. The developed method is applied test case Idjwi Island, Democratic Republic Congo (DRC), be powered by micro hydropower plant (MHP) combination photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage (BESS). results show that increased flexibility can significantly reduce cost electricity. Most importantly, presented quantifies trade-off between consumer flexibility. This gives local stakeholders ability make informed compromise off-grid covers their needs most cost-efficient way.