Optimizing Sustainability Offshore Hybrid Tidal-Wind Energy Storage Systems for an Off-Grid Coastal City in South Africa

Ladislas Mutunda Kangaji (), Atanda Raji and Efe Orumwense
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Ladislas Mutunda Kangaji: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Atanda Raji: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7535, South Africa
Efe Orumwense: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7535, South Africa

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-33

Abstract: South Africa’s extensive marine energy resources present a unique opportunity for advancing sustainable energy solutions. This study focuses on developing a sustainable hybrid power generation system that combines offshore wind and tidal current energy to provide a stable, renewable energy supply for off-grid coastal communities. By addressing the challenges of intermittency and unpredictability in renewable energy sources, the proposed system integrates wind and tidal energy with energy storage and diesel backup to ensure reliability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the environmental footprint. The system is optimized for sustainability, with a configuration of one wind turbine, five tidal turbines, and a diesel generator demonstrated to be the most effective in increasing the renewable energy fraction and lowering the net present cost. Simulations conducted using HOMER Pro version 3.20 software underscore the potential of this hybrid system to support South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable energy future, aligning with national and global sustainability goals. The results emphasize the environmental benefits of combining these renewable energy sources, offering a blueprint for achieving energy security and sustainable development in coastal regions.

Keywords: green energy solutions; HOMER Pro optimization; hybrid offshore wind and tidal systems; off-grid coastal sustainability; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; renewable energy storage; sustainability in renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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