Off-Grid Hybrid Renewable Energy System Design and Optimization for Belt and Road Cities: A Case Study in Afghanistan

The demand for reliable and cost-effective energy solutions in remote areas, including certain Belt and Road cities, has driven significant interest in hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES). This study examines the techno-economic feasibility of HRES for Bamyan Provincial Hospital in Afghanistan, emphasizing the integration of renewable energy sources. Three scenarios are evaluated: relying solely on diesel generators, combining diesel generators with photovoltaic (PV) systems to achieve a minimum 30% renewable energy penetration, and identifying the least costly option regardless of PV penetration levels. Through comprehensive simulations using HOMER® software, the study identifies the optimal configuration that minimizes costs while ensuring high reliability. The results demonstrate that integrating PV systems with diesel generators markedly reduces both the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and Net Present Cost (NPC) compared to systems reliant solely on diesel. Particularly, the scenario achieving at least 30% renewable energy penetration emerges as the most cost-effective, with an NPC of $2.86 million and an LCOE of $0.236 per kW$h$. These findings highlight that hybrid systems not only reduce operational costs but also enhance energy reliability, crucial for critical infrastructure like hospitals. This study provides a replicable model for similar health care facilities in remote regions, contributing to sustainable and resilient energy planning.