Exploring the Feasibility of Hybrid PV-Wind Energy Plant for Costal-Tourism Sites

This study presents the design, optimization, and performance analysis of a PV-Wind hybrid energy system for Kuakata, a coastal region and popular tourist destination in Bangladesh. The hybrid system integrates Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) and photovoltaic (PV) technology, addressing both noise reduction and safety concerns, making it particularly suitable for tourist-friendly environments. The system was optimized using HOMER Pro simulation software, which provided the optimal configuration based on technical, economic, and environmental parameters. The results show a 100% renewable energy fraction, a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $0.041/kWh, and a Net Present Cost (NPC) of $4.58 million. Additionally, the system demonstrates significant environmental benefits by reducing 230,680 kg of CO<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf> emissions annually. This study highlights the feasibility of deploying a PV-Wind hybrid system in coastal regions to meet growing energy demands while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. The proposed design also enhances the attraction of Kuakata as a tourist destination by offering a quiet and safe renewable energy solution.