Sustainable solar/biomass/energy storage hybridization for enhanced renewable energy integration in multi-generation systems: A comprehensive review

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical challenges and recent advancements related to photovoltaic (PV), biomass gasification (BG), and energy storage (ES) technologies, beginning with technology-specific developments and progressing to their integration in hybrid configurations for power generation and multigeneration systems. Major challenges identified include PV intermittency and limited forecasting accuracy, short ES lifespan and scalability constraints, and persistent BG issues such as tar formation, feedstock variability, and high operational costs. Further difficulties arise during hybridization, including poor control synchronization, high capital costs, and the lack of robust, context-specific sustainability assessments. To address these barriers, this review synthesizes insights into three strategic pillars: (1) technological integration, including modular system design and advanced storage solutions, (2) advanced control strategies featuring AI-enabled energy management and demand-side optimization, and (3) comprehensive sustainability assessment frameworks grounded in life cycle analysis and socio-economic metrics. Original contributions include the development of three structured conceptual frameworks: one for guiding system-level hybridization, another for step-by-step implementation in multigeneration settings, and a third for enhancing sustainability, policy integration, and innovation pathways. The review concludes with a roadmap connecting theory to practice through smart grids, circular economy principles, and region-specific deployment strategies to support resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy systems.