Hybrid renewable energy systems for rural electrification in developing countries: A review on energy system models and spatial explicit modelling tools

This study presents a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art energy systems and spatially explicit modelling approaches aimed at identifying approaches suitable for planning hybrid renewable energy systems integration in rural areas of developing countries. A systematic comparative approach based on an analytical framework is proposed with defined criteria to identify potential tools, evaluate their modelling attributes and select suitable tools. Out of 27 potentially identified suitable models, 10 models that fulfilled key filtering criteria were studied in more detail. Although differences in capabilities were identified, two conventional models (HOMER, iHOGA) and three geographical information system (GIS)-based models (GeoSIM, IntiGIS, and OnSSET) show the most potential for supporting HRES integration in rural areas, despite presenting significant gaps. Conventional models especially lack detailed network analysis capacities but have the potentials to model different hybrid technologies. Alternatively, GIS-based models show more capacity to incorporate spatially sensitive data including network analyses, but show technological and capacity limitations for addressing future trends. In response, this study presents a modelling framework strategy for upgrading individual models and using them complementary. While being open source-based models and scoring well on the proposed assessment criteria, OnSSET and IntiGIS show the highest potential for use in developing countries. In addition, HOMER and iHOGA as well-established models show high scores and are notably useful if complemented with capabilities for analysing spatial parameters. The proposed methodological framework and strategy steps will provide researchers and practitioners with a solid basis for selecting and/or developing modelling tools for application and assessment.