On Grid and Solar Hybrid Connection of a Nut Processing Plant in Mozambique

Paper in proceeding, 2023

A nut processing plant could have a significant impact on the social and economic development in an area like Lichinga, Mozambique. However, the energy supply poses a challenge, like low grid reliability. A nut processing plant would require both electricity and heat, and a heat pump could efficiently provide both using electricity. Various supply options, including solar and grid sources, are being investigated, and a hybrid solution appears to be the most cost-effective choice. If the plant is permitted to sell excess electricity to the grid, it could further improve the plant's economics, potentially reducing the cost of electricity by over 60%. Despite low reliability of the grid connection, it would still hold value, at least up to 1000 outage hours per year. Constructing a compensation system based on additional PV (photovoltaic) panels and batteries, rather than relying solely on batteries, offers only a minor financial benefit; however, it results in an increased surplus of electricity. Furthermore, there are notable environmental benefits associated with this approach.