Hybrid biomass–photovoltaic systems with battery storage for isolated communities in the Amazon

Isolated communities in the Amazon region rely predominantly on diesel for electricity generation, resulting in high costs, logistical constraints, and environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a hybrid system combining photovoltaic generation, cassava-based biomass, and battery storage for decentralized electricity supply using HOMER Pro with localized data for solar resources, load profiles, and biomass availability. The optimized configuration achieved near-complete load coverage with a levelized cost of electricity of BRL 0.33/kWh, substantially lower than the BRL 1.92/kWh of the existing diesel system. The biomass provided reliable baseload generation, while photovoltaic panels and storage reduced operational costs and managed variability, damping load oscillations. A sensitivity analysis considering increased demand, varying meteorological datasets, and constrained biomass availability demonstrated system resilience under stress conditions. These results corroborate the viability of hybrid systems as an economically competitive alternative for isolated communities, provided that sustainable local biomass resources are available to eliminate fossil-based emissions and support energy planning strategies aimed at expanding affordable and clean energy access.