Life Cycle Assessment and the Economic Sustainability of Renewable Energy Resources

Abstract

With over a billion people still lacking reliable access to electricity, the need for decentralized power generation solutions is crucial. This research explores the benefits of hybrid energy systems compared to standalone biogas, solar, and wind systems, especially in regions without centralized grids. Specifically, we examine the KPK Province Regions and model a hybrid power system that balances economic viability and technological feasibility, while considering the full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of wind, PV, and biogas. This designed system significantly boosts clean energy generation while minimizing harmful emissions' environmental impact. The Peshawar case study provides valuable insights into selecting a cost-effective hybrid system configuration. The study also includes a comprehensive cost analysis covering factors like capital investments, replacement costs, operational and maintenance expenses, fuel costs, and salvage value. Ultimately, this investigation results in a well-designed hybrid power system. Our findings reveal that the energy mix in this region includes Waziristan Wana (50% PV and 50% Wind Turbines), Abbottabad (61.6% PV and 37.6% wind), Bannu (33% PV and 66% wind), D.I. Khan (33% PV and 67% wind), Dirr (83% PV and 13% wind), Haripur (60% PV and 40% wind), Kohat (35% PV and 65% wind turbines), Lucky Marwat (37% PV and 62% wind turbines), Mardn (66% PV and 33.1% turbine power), Mansehra (60% PV and 40% wind turbines), Miranshah (28.1% PV and 71.1% wind turbines), Murre (60% PV and 60% wind turbines), Nowshera (60% PV and 39.1% wind turbines), Shawal (20% PV and 80% wind turbines), Swabi (65% PV and 35% wind turbines), and Zarmlna (25% PV and 75% wind turbines). This data highlights potential areas in Pakistan for future wind turbine and solar projects to meet electricity demands. Information on wind speed, Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), and temperature has been sourced from NASA. This study specifically focuses on addressing the electricity needs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province through solar and wind turbine installations.