Computer-aided analysis of the integration of renewable-energy systems in remote areas using a geographical-information system

The main objective of this project is to realize an integration plan for various renewable-energy systems in remote areas using a geographical-information system (GIS) in order to determine the optimal management and use of energy in these locations. The area studied is Corsica, an island located in the south-east of France. For the remote site considered, four systems supplying electricity are compared: a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV)/batteries system, a hybrid PV/batteries/back-up generator system, an engine generator and an extension of the existing electrical network. The most economic configuration was chosen as the best solution to electrify the remote site. Physical and technical-economical processes are integrated in the GIS. This GIS is used to determine the profitability boundaries for PV systems compared to a grid extension and under four different load profiles, and has led to the elaboration of an integration plan of renewable energies in south Corsica. The study has shown that for 60-90% of remote sites, a PV decentralized electricity system is the most economical means of electrification. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.