Feasibility study of solar-diesel generation hybrid power systems: a case study of rural electrification in Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

This study presents a contextually tailored off-grid hybrid energy system consisting of solar photovoltaic (PV), diesel generator (DG), and battery storage, designed for the remote mountains village of Jifak in Papua, Indonesia. The objective is to evaluate the technical, economic, environmental, and social feasibility of electrification in underserved regions. A comprehensive feasibility analysis was conducted using HOMER software, incorporating realistic communal load profiles, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) climate data, and field-based social assessments. The optimized system achieved a net present cost (NPC) of $10.43 million, a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.5095/kWh, and annual emissions of 7,965 kg CO₂. Sensitivity analysis was performed on fuel cost, discount rate, and inflation rate to assess system robustness. Beyond the technical metrics, the study assessed the socio-economic impacts of electrification, revealing improvements in lighting quality, education, productivity, income generation, and environmental awareness. The findings provide a replicable model and decision-making framework for policymakers and practitioners aiming to deploy low-carbon, sustainable electrification strategies in similarly remote regions.