Modeling Hybrid Renewable Microgrids in Remote Northern Regions: A Comparative Simulation Study

Nurcan Kilinc-Ata () and Liliana N. Proskuryakova
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Nurcan Kilinc-Ata: College of Economics and Political Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Alkhoud, Muscat 123, Oman
Liliana N. Proskuryakova: Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, HSE University, 11 Myasnitskaya Street, 101000 Moscow, Russia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-28

Abstract: Remote northern regions face unique energy challenges due to geographic isolation, harsh climates, and limited access to centralized power grids. In response to growing environmental and economic pressures, there is a rising interest in hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable and conventional sources. This study investigates sustainable and cost-effective energy supply strategies for off-grid northern communities through the modeling and simulation of multi-energy microgrids. Focusing on case studies from Yakutia (Russia), Hordaland (Norway), and Alaska (United States), the research employs a comprehensive methodology that combines a critical literature review, system design using HOMER Pro software (version 3.16.2), and a comparative analysis of simulation outcomes. Three distinct microgrid configurations are proposed, incorporating various combinations of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind energy, diesel generators, and battery storage systems. The findings reveal that integrating solar PV significantly enhances economic efficiency, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping resilient, sustainable energy systems for remote northern areas. This study is innovative in its cross-regional comparative approach, linking techno-economic simulation with climatic variability analysis to identify context-specific energy strategies. The key findings highlight how hybrid microgrids combining PV, wind, and storage systems can reduce both costs and emissions by up to 35% compared to diesel-only systems, offering practical pathways toward sustainable electrification in high-latitude regions.

Keywords: multi-energy microgrids; energy transition; solar PV; wind energy; battery storage; energy cost; load profile (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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