Renewable energy communities in central Africa: Towards a hybrid model, tariff impacts, energy justice and local governance

This paper investigates the techno-economic and social viability of hybrid Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in Central Africa, focusing on an urban case study in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Using a discounted cash flow model, Net Present Value (NPV), Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), and Monte Carlo simulations were employed to evaluate financial feasibility under three policy scenarios - Low-support (LM), Realistic (RM), and High-support (HM). The hybrid configuration integrates photovoltaic, wind, and biomass systems to match household demand profiles derived from local residential load data. Results indicate that economic profitability emerges above 30% self-consumption, with NPV values ranging from €4,100/kW (LM, 30%) to €10,000/kW (HM, 70%) and LCOE between 102–125 €/MWh. Sensitivity analysis confirms strong dependence on self-consumption and CAPEX, while Monte Carlo simulations (1,000 iterations) show a >98% probability of achieving a positive NPV. Two innovative benefit-sharing models are introduced - PDM3 (behavior-based) and PDM4 (income-based) - ensuring both efficiency and social equity. Governance analysis proposes a tripartite structure involving state authorities, citizen cooperatives, and private actors, addressing institutional gaps and promoting inclusivity. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid RECs to reduce energy poverty, enhance local ownership, and guide policy innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The results demonstrate that, even under uncertain regulatory conditions, RECs can offer a robust pathway toward sustainable and socially just energy transitions in developing urban contexts.