Exploring synergistic ecological and economic energy solutions for low-urbanized areas through simulation-based analysis

In this study, we assess the feasibility of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) for the residential area of Hengam Island, Iran. The optimal system design, based on the analysis of minimum CO2 emissions, unmet electric load and capacity shortage, reveals that a hybrid system consisting of 12,779,267 kW (55.8% of production) of solar PV panels and 10,141,978 kW (44.2% of production) of wind turbines is the most suitable for this case study. This configuration ensures zero CO2 emissions and high reliability over a 25-year project lifetime, with an unmet electric load of 164 kWh per year and a capacity shortage of 5245 kWh per year. However, this case has a high initial cost of equipment, with a Total Net Present Cost (TNPC) of $54,493,590. If the power grid is also used for energy exchange with the island, TNPC can be significantly reduced by 76.95%, and battery losses can be reduced by 96.44%. The proposed system on the grid can reduce carbon emissions to zero, making it highly environmentally compatible. The sale of excess electricity produced to the power grid creates an energy market for the island. Given the weather conditions and the intensity of the sun in the studied area, the area has very suitable conditions for the exploitation of renewable energies. Transitioning the residential sector towards renewable energies is crucial to overcome energy crises and increasing carbon emissions. Increasing renewable equipment production and improving technology can address the challenge of high prices for renewable energy production.