Communities often face the dual challenges of unreliable power supply and high electricity tariffs, necessitating innovative solutions for more affordable and dependable energy. This paper investigates the generation of renewable energy hybridized with a gas plant in a community, evaluating five scenarios for hybrid power integration. Simulation result assessments of the existing 15 MW and 5 MW generators network revealed that power unavailability could be mitigated by introducing a storage system, providing backup for 4.70 to 7.78 hours in scenarios two and five, respectively. This hybrid system, combining renewable energy sources with existing fossil-fuel generators, was simulated using the Hybrid Optimization of Energy Resources (Homer-Pro) software. The introduction of 6.25% renewable solar energy significantly reduced the levelized cost of electricity by 29.4% and decreased power generation by 42.52%. Financial analysis demonstrated that scenario five offers a remarkable return on investment (ROI) of 257% and a payback period of 7.60 years, making it the most attractive for profit-oriented investors. Conversely, scenario two, with an ROI of 53% and an 18.36-year payback period, is optimal for non-profit-oriented stakeholders. Additionally, scenario two achieves a 43% cost reduction compared to the current system. The hybridization strategy not only improves network reliability by providing sufficient backup but also reduces environmental impact, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 by promoting affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.
Key words: Techno-economic, Homer-Pro, Renewable Energy, Levelised Cost of Energy, Gas Generator.
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