Comparative energy cost analysis of hybrid system and diesel generator in powering selected base transceiver stations in Nigeria

The rapid increase in global communication infrastructure in developing countries has drawn significant attention to the telecom sector. However, the dismal performance of the power sector in some countries like Nigeria poses a great challenge to the telecom industry which requires a reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly energy supply. Unstable electric grids, an erratic power supply, non-availability of trained and skilled personnel, and a prohibitive cost of site maintenance cumulatively have increased the need to harness abundant renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. A comparative study of the viability of solar-diesel hybrid against diesel-only generator systems in powering a base station using the cost of kilowatt hour (kWh) self-generated electricity and levelised cost of energy (LCOE) was undertaken using data from some sites located in the Southwest (SW) and the Northeast (NE) regions of Nigeria. Homer Pro Software was used in data analysis. The results obtained showed that with a hybrid energy system (solar and diesel generator), there were 79% savings in fuel consumption, 83.2% savings in operation and maintenance cost for the hybrid energy system in the SW. The savings on fueling as a result of the use of hybrid systems was 86%, and the carbon footprint reduction was 76%. Furthermore, the cost of operation was reduced by 51% for Northeast. The LCOE for the solar hybrid system was determined to be $1.44 for NE1A and NE1B while that of NE2A was $1.46 and NE2B $1.47.