Design and optimization of an off-grid power plant in the Mesopotamian Marshes of Iraq
Abstract This study examined the sustainability of utilizing a hybrid energy system to supply electricity to households in the Nasiriyah Mesopotamian Marshes. The urbanization rate in Iraq stands at 70%, and the energy sector predominantly relies on fossil fuels. This dependency puts the country in...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Discover Sustainability |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01302-w |
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| Summary: | Abstract This study examined the sustainability of utilizing a hybrid energy system to supply electricity to households in the Nasiriyah Mesopotamian Marshes. The urbanization rate in Iraq stands at 70%, and the energy sector predominantly relies on fossil fuels. This dependency puts the country in an energy crisis, necessitating a shift toward green and renewable energy sources. This study addresses this issue by analyzing the feasibility of a renewable energy-based hybrid power production system in the Nasiriyah Mesopotamian Marshes. Utilizing HOMER PRO software for simulation, the system was designed to operate in six different system designs, with four hybrid configurations incorporating solar, wind, and diesel generators. The conducted techno-economic analysis helped to achieve three main objectives: minimizing the net present cost, levelizing energy cost, and reducing the negative environmental impacts of using fossil fuels. The best selection from the designed systems was a hybrid system comprising only wind and solar operating for all seasons, which was considered the most suitable one for the Nasiriyah Mesopotamian Marshes, resulting in the lowest NPC of $2.2 million and LCOE of 0.157 $/kWh. This hybrid system outperformed the other five variations in operation, maintenance, and reliability. Consequently, an off-grid hybrid system emerges as a robust alternative and a green policy initiative, ensuring a smooth energy flow in the Mesopotamian Marshes. |
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| ISSN: | 2662-9984 |