Optimal design of a hybrid photovoltaic–wind power system with the national grid using HOMER: A case study in Kerkennah, Tunisia

Renewable energy is certain to play a key role in future electricity generation due to the rapid depletion of conventional energy. Photovoltaic and wind energy are the major renewable energy sources. However, renewable energies are an inexhaustible, expensive, and unpredictable source of energy. An alternative solution is to combine one or more renewable energy with other conventional energy. In recent years, the research interest towards the utilization of hybrid energy systems in desalination plants. This paper aims to optimize several hybrid energy system models consisting of photovoltaic, wind, and the national grid in desalination plant in Tunisia. Optimization is based on the techno-economic analysis of the proposed energy system is performed by using HOMER simulation software. The simulation will be focused on the net present costs, Levelized cost of energy, produced excess electricity, the Renewable Fraction of Energy, and the reduction of CO2emission for the hybrid energy configurations. Results show that the system photovoltaic, wind, and the national grid is the best energy system installed in the desalination plant.