Toward Sustainable Rural Electrification: Optimization of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Mediterranean Climates

Renewable energy systems have become increasingly vital in addressing the needs of rural communities, particularly in regions affected by socio-economic instability and displaced populations. This study proposes a comprehensive framework for the optimal design and evaluation of a hybrid renewable energy system tailored to a typical remote village with a decentralized utility grid in Jordan. The methodology relies on detailed site-specific surveys and datasets, which were thoroughly verified prior to system modeling. Multiple operational scenarios were examined, with a focus on optimizing economic, environmental, and operational (EEO) performance. A comparative cost analysis of the different system configurations is integrated, alongside a sensitivity analysis over key parameters such as load growth. Results demonstrate that the proposed optimal design consistently satisfies the village's annual load demand while achieving the lowest cost of energy (COE) and net present cost (NPC). Moreover, increasing photovoltaic (PV) penetration levels significantly reduced harmful emissions, reinforcing the potential of renewable energy to replace conventional sources in rural applications. The findings underscore the viability and sustainability of hybrid renewable energy systems for electrifying rural communities, offering a replicable model for similar regions seeking resilient and low-cost energy solutions.