Optimized solar and wind-powered RO systems for sustainable water solutions in Sinai resorts using different optimization techniques

This study proposes and evaluates a hybrid renewable energy-powered desalination system (HREPDS) for nine coastal locations in Sinai, Egypt, where per capita water availability has been below 1000 m3/year since 1997. The system integrates photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, battery storage, a diesel generator, and a reverse osmosis (RO) unit. Three energy supply scenarios -100 % renewable, 100 % diesel, and a 50–50 hybrid mix -are assessed across four RO configurations (1-stage to 4-stage), with system sizing optimized using seven heuristic algorithms. Among them, the Artificial Rabbit Optimizer (ARO) demonstrated the most consistent and accurate performance. Results show that multi-stage RO significantly reduces energy consumption, life cycle cost (LCC), and CO2 emissions. For example, in the 100 % diesel scenario with Red Sea salinity (42,000 ppm), the levelized cost of water (LCOW) decreases from 1.60 $/m3 to 0.91 $/m3 when shifting from a 1-stage to a 4-stage system. In a 50–50 hybrid scenario at Ayon Musa, the LCC is reduced to 1503 k$, compared to 2007 k$ for a fully renewable system. The cost breakdown reveals that capital investment dominates in renewable systems, while fuel costs dominate in diesel systems, with the hybrid approach offering a balanced distribution. A sensitivity analysis further demonstrates system robustness under environmental and economic variability.