Optimized Design of a Stand-Alone Hybrid PV/Wind/Diesel Energy System for Sustainable Development in Sudan: Minimizing Costs and Carbon Emissions

Fossil fuels account for 52% of Sudan's primary energy consumption, while hydropower contributes approximately 42%. As part of its energy strategy, the country aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 11% by 2031. This study focuses on Southern Sudan, which is an ideal case study for renewable energy integration due to its abundant solar radiation and moderate wind speeds. The research investigates the design and optimization of a sustainable, stand-alone hybrid energy system for domestic use, with a focus on minimizing total costs and environmental impact. The study employs real-world data on solar radiation, wind speeds, and other relevant parameters to develop a hybrid optimization model using HOMER and MATLAB software. The system's projected lifetime is 24 years. The primary goal of this paper is to design an optimized hybrid system comprising photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, diesel generators, and battery storage to minimize the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and reduce CO2 emissions. Results indicate that the cost of energy can be reduced by 29%, and greenhouse gas emissions can be decreased by 51% compared to a diesel-only system. By integrating solar and wind energy with diesel backup, the proposed system achieves optimal cost efficiency while ensuring reliable power supply. Furthermore, the system is designed with scalability in mind, enabling future expansion to meet growing energy demand.