Feasibility and environmental analysis of biogas-based hybrid energy system using HOMER pro software: A case study for Hatay

Abstract

Due to growing environmental concerns regarding fossil fuels, the importance of sustainable or clean energy sources like wind, solar, hydrogen, and biomass has increased. Transitioning to sustainable energy sources is critical for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring long-term energy stability. Moreover, by integrating these renewable sources into hybrid energy systems, energy production efficiency can be maximized and based on fossil fuels can be minimized. Therefore, this study conducted an environmental and techno-economic evaluation of the recommended system by creating a microgrid or hybrid system model using Hybrid Optimisation of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) Pro software. The various scenarios of on-grid and off-grid systems using alternative sources, like solar, biomass, and hydrogen, were analyzed, and the electricity production, cost impacts, and environmental effects were discussed. In the analysis of the hybrid system, the optimum cost and minimum environmental effect were determined using 200 kW photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, 100 kW of biogas generators, 72 kW of converters, and 120 kW of electrolyzers. The results of the analysis revealed that the off-grid hybrid system was the most cost-effective option, with an energy generation cost of 0.2094 $ and a Net Present Cost (NPC) of 1.92 M$. In addition, the proposed hybrid system reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 95.78 % compared to an on-grid biogas system. The findings of this study highlight that a sustainable energy economy and its environmental impacts can be realized in certain geographical conditions.