Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis of Using Renewable Energy Resources for Yanbu City

Salman M. Yanbuawi, Amir A. Imam, Abdullah Ali Alhussainy (), Sultan Alghamdi, Fahd Hariri and Muhyaddin Rawa
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Salman M. Yanbuawi: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Amir A. Imam: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Ali Alhussainy: Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Prince Mugrin, Madinah 42241, Saudi Arabia
Sultan Alghamdi: Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Fahd Hariri: Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
Muhyaddin Rawa: Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-24

Abstract: This study presents a techno-economic and environmental analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems to identify the optimal configuration for supplying the planned 850 MW renewable energy plant in Yanbu city, Saudi Arabia. Ten grid-connected system designs combining photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), and battery storage were simulated and optimized using the HOMER Grid software (1.10.2 pro edition). A site suitability analysis was conducted to evaluate potential locations based on climatic, topographic, and infrastructure-related factors. A sensitivity analysis considered variations in solar irradiation, wind speed, temperature, load demand, and economic parameters. The results showed that the PV-only system with an 850 MW capacity achieved the lowest net present cost (NPC) of USD 201 million and levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.0344 USD/kWh, making it the most economically feasible option. However, a hybrid WT–PV configuration of 212.5 MW WT and 637.5 MW PV was also proposed to support local manufacturing. All proposed systems provided over a 91% renewable energy contribution while reducing CO 2 emissions by 53% compared to grid supply only. Up to 1152 jobs are estimated to be created through renewable energy deployment in Yanbu city.

Keywords: renewable energy; techno-economic analysis; photovoltaic; wind turbine; HOMER; site suitability analysis; job employment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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