Energy storage integration with solar PV for increased electricity access: A case study of Burkina Faso

Electricity access remains a challenge for the majority of West African countries, wherein 5 out 16 have an electrification rate less than 25%, with Burkina Faso having only 9% rural population electricity in 2017. This study presents techno-economic feasibility analysis solar PV system integration conceptualized Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) and electric batteries Faso. The explores two cases (a) off-grid storage areas (b) grid-connected urban location. least-cost configuration feasible is investigated using HOMER. results show that Solar PHS optimal both even when construction costs lower upper reservoirs are considered. Battery energy systems remain economically expensive solution added pumped hydro included, owing to low lifetime high capital battery storage. cost be most dominating factor cases, signifying importance policy interventions reduction increased green countries.