Optimal Design of Zero-Carbon Smart Grid for NEOM City

This paper presents a comprehensive framework to design resilient and sustainable Clean Energy Smart Grids (CESGs) that effectively integrate renewable energy sources (RESs). By leveraging advanced forecasting, energy storage systems (ESS), and demand-side management (DSM), the framework aims to mitigate the intermittent nature of RESs and optimize grid operations. The study evaluates the performance of various ESS technologies, including pumped hydro energy storage, flow batteries, and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Advanced optimization algorithms tailored to NEOM City, Saudi Arabia, are employed to enhance grid stability and efficiency. Simulation results indicate a significant reduction in the size of ESS and other grid components and energy costs (over 30%) through the implementation of DSM. Furthermore, the CESG significantly reduces the carbon footprint to 10-16% compared to conventional power systems. Flow batteries are identified as a cost-effective and secure ESS option compared to LIBs.