Optimal distributed PV system assessment for renewable energy based microgrid application in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Sustainable Energy Systems
• Renewable Energy Integration
• Public Infrastructure Electrification

Background:

• Growing global energy demand requires sustainable and cost-effective solutions for large public infrastructures.
• Makkah railway station presents a significant load profile, necessitating an optimized energy system.
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasizes renewable energy integration for long-term sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the optimal hybrid renewable energy system for Makkah railway station.
• To minimize costs and environmental impact while ensuring energy reliability.
• To evaluate the financial and environmental performance of proposed renewable energy configurations.

Main Methods:

• Investigated a large load profile of Makkah railway station.
• Proposed two hybrid renewable configurations: Grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV/grid) and PV/battery/grid.
• Utilized Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software for simulation and analysis.

Main Results:

• The PV/grid system demonstrated the most effective configuration.
• Achieved a Net Present Cost (NPC) of $27.9 million USD and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $0.0755 USD/kWh.
• Ensured 0% unmet load, 26.7% renewable fraction, and a 26.72% reduction in CO₂ emissions.
• Reported an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 9.3%, indicating strong financial sustainability.

Conclusions:

• The PV/grid system is a cost-effective and environmentally favorable choice for high-load public facilities in solar-rich regions.
• Recommended for facilities in Saudi Arabia to meet sustainability targets.
• Highlights the potential of renewable energy integration in achieving national development goals.