Integrating Renewable Energy Potential and Life Cycle Costing for Sustainable Energy in Auchi Polytechnic student hostels

Abstract

This study evaluates the integration of renewable energy potential and life cycle costing (LCC) for sustainable power generation in Auchi Polytechnic student hostels, Edo State, Nigeria. It addresses the challenge of unreliable grid electricity and the high environmental impact of diesel-based systems by analyzing the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of renewable alternatives.

Field energy audits revealed an average daily consumption of 57.45 kWh, with evening peaks accounting for 37% of total demand. Renewable resource assessments indicated a mean solar irradiance of 5.5 kWh/m²/day, confirming strong photovoltaic (PV) potential, while wind and biogas options showed limited viability. Using Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) over a 20-year horizon, the PV + Battery configuration achieved a total life cycle cost of ₦36.34 million compared to ₦61.88 million for the grid–diesel system, yielding ₦25.54 million in net savings and a 6.7-year payback period.

Reliability metrics showed a Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) of 0.37%, RMSE of 1.2 kWh/day, and a 70% CO₂ emission reduction, surpassing performance targets. Stakeholder surveys revealed strong acceptance of solar technology (79.7%) but highlighted barriers such as high initial cost and limited technical capacity. The findings conclude that a solar PV + Battery hybrid system offers a technically reliable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable solution for institutional energy management, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy.