Hybrid renewable energy systems towards sustainable development in Bangladesh: Configurations, optimizations, applications, challenges and future pathways

Renewable energy has gained significant popularity in Bangladesh due to its potential to provide a sustainable and reliable future while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite these advantages, renewable energy sources face challenges, particularly regarding intermittency and variability, which can impact the stability and reliability of the power supply. To address these challenges, hybrid renewable energy systems offer a potential solution to the energy crisis in Bangladesh by integrating multiple renewable energy sources, thereby enhancing overall reliability and efficiency while mitigating the limitations of individual sources. In this context, this review critically examines various configurations of hybrid renewable energy systems, both with and without battery storage solutions, focusing on off-grid and grid-connected systems. Among all configurations, PV/WT/DG achieved the highest NPC of 25 % and 38 % with battery storage and grid integration, respectively. Among all configurations, the PV/WT system has the lowest COE, whereas the PV/WT/DG configuration shows the highest NPC.The analysis also highlights key optimization objectives, constraints, and tools used, with HOMER Pro being the most popular, employed in 76 % of the studies reviewed. Additionally, the study discusses the diverse applications of these systems across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, highlighting their potential to meet a wide range of energy demands. Moreover, the assessment explores the impacts of hybrid renewable energy systems in achieving various sustainable development goals. Finally, the review explores the open issues and challenges while providing future pathways for achieving sustainable energy solutions in Bangladesh. The key findings of this review support the development of a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive energy system in Bangladesh that contributes to national development goals and global environmental targets.