Optimal Design and Analysis of a Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Sustainable, Cost-Effective Campus Electrification

Abstract

The global energy transition demands innovative strategies to meet rising energy needs, mitigate climate change, and achieve sustainability. Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) offer a transformative solution by integrating renewable and conventional energy sources to optimize generation, reduce environmental impact, and enhance economic viability. In Algeria, where energy security and sustainability are vital, designing efficient HRES configurations presents both challenges and opportunities. This study evaluates the techno-economic and environmental performance of HRES configurations tailored for a university campus in Constantine, Algeria. The proposed configurations integrate photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), and grids to meet the campus’ daily energy demand of 24 MWh. Utilizing HOMER Pro®, four configurations were analyzed for energy generation, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact. Among the analyzed configurations, the results indicate that the PV/WT/grid-connected system (Case 4) achieves the highest overall performance, with a 65% RE fraction, a 54.47% reduction in grid reliance, and a levelized cost of energy of $0.01487/kWh. Besides, this configuration demonstrates significant environmental benefits, including an 84.49% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional systems. Moreover, it achieved an economic payback period of 5.4 years, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and feasibility. These results highlight the critical role of HRES in promoting sustainable energy systems and offer actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to accelerate energy transitions in Algeria and similar contexts globally.