Abstract

This study focuses on the development of a hybrid renewable energy system, with a battery energy storage system, for a small island, Koh Hang, off the coast of Krabi province, in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. Currently un-powered, the island has a good solar energy potential, but limited wind energy potential. Using HOMER Pro optimization model, seven hybrid renewable energy systems consisting of solar PV, wind, biogas, and a battery energy storage system (BESS) are studied to identify the optimal configuration to meet the load demand with the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Among the hybrid configurations studied, the optimal solar PV – biogas - BESS system offered the lowest LCOE of 0.215 US$/kWh. A public opinion survey was also carried out in the community to measure the level of acceptance of such system on the island, with the willingness to pay for a proposed tariff being the key issue for the long-term sustainability of the proposed system. This work, which can be replicated in similar off-grid microgrids, contribute in improving the quality of life and the economy of off-grid settlements, while minimizing the impacts on the environment.