Sustainability of electricity production using a mathematical model for optimal strategic planning: application on Egyptian electricity holding company (case study)

Abstract The optimization of the product mix for electricity generation is an important undertaking, with cost efficiency and emission reduction as the primary aims. In this paper, a linear programming model was proposed to support a strategic plan for the electricity production sector. The model aims to get the optimal product mix that minimizes the cost and restricts emissions and fuel consumption. Hypothetical dimensions of the problem were illustrated and the formulation of the model was presented. For the efficiency test, the model was applied to Cairo Company for electricity production which is one of the companies of the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company. The results of applying the proposed model show that the cost improved (reduced) by 10% with an increase of 14.34% in the emissions (still within the permitted limit). The applicability and efficiency were proven by applying the model and analyzing the results. Graphical Abstract