An alternate sustainable energy system production for the Koura district

Abstract

The aim of the project is offering the design and the feasibility of renewable energy production alternatives. The probable technologies were cited, followed by a detailed cost analysis and benefit-to-cost ratios. Since 1992, after the Civil War, Lebanon shortage in electricity is a major problem facing the Lebanese government and people. Koura district is facing around 12 hours of electricity shortages. Privately owned diesel generator is for years the only solution for the replacement of the electricity. According to Lebanonwire (March 10, 2003), the scope of illegal connections to the network reached a total of 2977 kilowatts per year across the country. It cited a report carried out by Banque National Paribas for 2001, which showed that squandered energy in Beirut and Mount Lebanon reached 1279 kw/year, constituting 43 percent of the total "squandered" electricity. In the South, squandering reached 795 kW/ year, or 27 percent, while in the Bekaa it reached 542 kw/year or 18 percent and 360 kw/year or 12 percent in North Lebanon. According to dailystar (2011), an average size generator costs around {dollar}50,000 to power some 220 homes. Wiring is an added expense, but providers string up their cables on existing electrical posts, thus bearing little cost in transmission. Return on investment can be achieved in around one year, because prices are high. However, environmental and health problems result from the diesel generators. These generators are per-excellence harmful economically, socially and environmentally. Data were very hard to obtain, such as the exact number of the population, the electric consumption, and the precise prices set by the companies, therefore averages were assumed based on online researches. An alternation between wind and solar energies is furthermost preferable, with highest level of efficiency and a break-even period of 24 years.