Optimizing Saudi Arabia's Power Grid: The Role of AC/DC Hybrid OHTL Systems and BESS Integration for Energy Efficiency and Net-Zero Targets Using GNDO

This paper presents a comprehensive 36-year deployment roadmap for transforming Saudi Arabia's power grid into a resilient, low-carbon system aligned with Vision 2030, and net-zero by 2060 target. Utilizing a detailed model of the national grid based on IEEE 18-bus system, where long-term technical and economic viability of HVAC, HVDC, and Hybrid AC/DC configuration was evaluated by optimization framework driven by the Generalized Normal Distribution Optimization (GNDO) algorithm, minimizes CO₂ emissions, energy losses, and costs while adhering to strict power flow and stability constraints. The results demonstrates that deploying a Hybrid AC/DC system is the backbone of a sustainable transition, reducing annual energy losses by 52.2% (950 GWh) and CO₂ emissions by 52.4% (20.2 Mt) compared to conventional grid. This configurations unlocks annual savings of 234 million dollars and, critically, reduces the size of needed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity by 30%, while improving frequency stability by 66%. This analysis projects the operational performance and cost escalation of each scenario through 2060, providing a clear policy blueprint for strategic infrastructure investments and phased implementation.