Techno-economic feasibility analysis of a hybrid wind-PV-diesel energy system for Kiltu village, Oromia, Ethiopia using HOMER pro

Abstract Indoor air pollution from biomass fuel use poses a significant health threat, especially for women and children in rural communities, due to its widespread use for cooking and heating. This study evaluates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a hybrid energy system (solar, wind, and diesel) for Kiltu Village, Oromia, using HOMER Pro software to optimize technical, economic, and environmental outcomes. Key factors include an average daily solar irradiation of 6.06 kWh m −2 , wind speed of 4.61 m s −1 , and a total daily energy demand of 931.44 kWh, with a peak load of 115.19 kW. Simulation results show that a PV-diesel-battery-converter system is the most efficient, with a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $0.326/kWh and a net present cost (NPC) of $1.42 million, reducing CO 2 emissions by 49.16% compared to diesel-only systems. Although the fully renewable solar-wind-battery system has higher costs (NPC: $2.10 million), the hybrid system significantly cuts diesel consumption and meets essential seasonal agricultural demands, such as winter irrigation. This hybrid solution offers a sustainable way to reduce indoor air pollution, strengthen energy resilience, and promote socio-economic development in rural areas. The findings highlight hybrid energy systems as an effective approach for improving public health and advancing sustainable electrification in energy-poor regions.