Hybrid Energy Utilization of Photovoltaic with Jatropha Curcas Oil-Based Biofuel for Supporting Electrification on Sumba Island

Jatropha curcas L. (Jatropha) is a plantation which growth well in tropical countries, such as Indonesia. According to the recent studies, Jatropha seeds can yield oil, however raw Jatropha oil needs transesterification process, results in Jatropha Methyl Ester (JME), in order to reach suitable properties as biofuel and substitute diesel fuel for generating electricity, especially for area that is lack in electricity or low of electrification ratio. Meanwhile, Sumba is one of thousand islands in Indonesia that is still lack of electricity access but rich of solar energy potential, hence suitable for photovoltaic (PV) energy development. This study aimed to explore the potential hybridization of PV system with JME based biofuel. In order to reach this milestone, author analyzed properties of JME in comparison to those of diesel fuel and unveil several benefits of Jatropha, particularly related to the utilization for energy alternative. Analysis of the hybrid system was carried out by applying HOMER simulation. In addition, literature study of recent observations was also used for this study. According to NASA Surface meteorology and Solar Energy database, annual average of solar Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) in the Sumba island is 5,84 kWh/m2/day which is potential for PV utilization. On the other hand, Jatropha seeds can produce biofuel for generator. Subsequently, combination of PV and Jatropha based fuel generator yields NPC and COE of US$ 46,283 and US$ 0.248 respectively, which is much lower in cost than single feed diesel generator. This hybrid system will also potentially reduce gas emission of hydrocarbon fuel. Finally, combination of both PV system and Jatropha oil-based biofuel shows bright prospect of energy alternative as well as support electrification access for Indonesian society.