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Solar, Wind, Hydrogen, and Bioenergy-Based Hybrid System for Off-Grid Remote Locations: Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Roksana Yasmin

    (School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia)

  • Md. Nurun Nabi

    (School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia)

  • Fazlur Rashid

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
    Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA)

  • Md. Alamgir Hossain

    (Queensland Micro-and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia)

Abstract

Transitioning to clean energy in off-grid remote locations is essential to reducing fossil-fuel-generated greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy growth. While hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES), including multiple renewable energy (RE) sources and energy storage systems are instrumental, it requires technical reliability with economic efficiency. This study examines the feasibility of an HRES incorporating solar, wind, hydrogen, and biofuel energy at a remote location in Australia. An electric vehicle charging load alongside a residential load is considered to lower transportation-based emissions. Additionally, the input data (load profile and solar data) is validated through statistical analysis, ensuring data reliability. HOMER Pro software is used to assess the techno-economic and environmental performance of the hybrid systems. Results indicate that the optimal HRES comprising of photovoltaic, wind turbines, fuel cell, battery, and biodiesel generators provides a net present cost of AUD 9.46 million and a cost of energy of AUD 0.183, outperforming diesel generator-inclusive systems. Hydrogen energy-based FC offered the major backup supply, indicating the potential role of hydrogen energy in maintaining reliability in off-grid hybrid systems. Sensitivity analysis observes the effect of variations in biodiesel price and electric load on the system performance. Environmentally, the proposed system is highly beneficial, offering zero carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions, contributing to the global net-zero target. The implications of this research highlight the necessity of a regional clean energy policy facilitating energy planning and implementation, skill development to nurture technology-intensive energy projects, and active community engagement for a smooth energy transition. Potentially, the research outcome advances the understanding of HRES feasibility for remote locations and offers a practical roadmap for sustainable energy solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Roksana Yasmin & Md. Nurun Nabi & Fazlur Rashid & Md. Alamgir Hossain, 2025. "Solar, Wind, Hydrogen, and Bioenergy-Based Hybrid System for Off-Grid Remote Locations: Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-32, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:7:y:2025:i:2:p:36-:d:1640700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dimitrios Cholidis & Nikolaos Sifakis & Alexandros Chachalis & Nikolaos Savvakis & George Arampatzis, 2025. "Energy Transition Framework for Nearly Zero-Energy Ports: HRES Planning, Storage Integration, and Implementation Roadmap," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-46, June.
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