A feasible and sustainable standalone hybrid renewable energy system experimentation for remote residential applications of Khasab

The primary contributions of this paper are: • Solar PV, wind energy, and fuel cell based HRES for residential application. • Standalone HRES can effectively meet Khasab's energy needs in isolated locations. • Real-time data confirms the hybrid system generates enough electricity monthly. • Simulation with NREL's SAM shows an LCOE of 0.34 USD/kWh, rivalling fossil fuels. • HRES configuration reduces CO2 emissions to 27259 kg/year aiding Oman's Vision 2040. As the world shifts towards renewable energy to achieve sustainability and reduce fossil fuel impacts, hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) emerge as a viable solution for meeting rising energy demands while maintaining net-zero emissions. Khasab, the capital of Musandam Governorate in Oman, is an ideal location for exploring such solutions due to its geographical separation from Oman's main grid connectivity. This research focuses on designing a standalone HRES for a cluster of homes in Khasab with daily energy demands ranging from 250 kWh to 800 kWh. Using NREL's System Advisor Model (SAM), simulation studies incorporating modest battery storage reveal a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.34 USD/kWh and annual CO2 emission savings between 2887-3566 kg. The findings demonstrate that combining solar PV, wind energy, and fuel cells can effectively support the energy needs of the remote residential areas while fostering a sustainable ecosystem.