Electric Power Generation in small-scale distributed generation systems using bioenergy in Nicaragua

In this article the results of a study that sought to investigate whether it is technically possible to generate electricity in distributed generation systems using small-scale agricultural waste in the western region of Nicaragua are presented, for which Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to assess the electrical energy potential of biomass by performing a spatial analysis that made possible to determine the quantity of available waste. In addition, a conceptual model for the location of power plants was obtained and the theoretical available energy potential was calculated. On the other hand, the HOMER program was used to simulate the power generation considering the determined energy potential of the regions under study and also its technical feasibility was completed; however, it was found that the levelized cost of generation using residual biomass has a higher value than that of the grid and therefore, its use for electricity generation is not profitable under the current conditions of the Nicaraguan energy market.