Evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of PV/wind/diesel hybrids in Mudug, Somalia, using a metaheuristic algorithm

The reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation drives carbon emissions and climate change. This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/wind turbine (WT)/diesel generator (DG) system in the north-central Mudug region of Somalia. Using MATLAB simulations, ten system configurations were analysed, including standalone DG, hybrid PV/DG, WT/DG, and PV/WT/DG, with and without battery storage (BS). Key metrics assessed include net present cost, levelized cost of energy, renewable fraction, excess electricity, and CO₂ reduction. The optimal configuration (Case 8) consists of a 50 kW DG, 80 kW PV, 90 kW WT, and 14 BS units, achieving a 71.5% renewable fraction, a net present cost of $701,083, and an energy cost of $0.2/kWh. This system reduces net present cost by 51% and fuel costs by 19% compared to DG alone. The findings highlight the economic and environmental viability of hybrid renewable systems in Mudug.