Abstract
This paper introduces different solutions using renewable energy technologies to overcome the random blackouts that happen in Libya. A case study conducted at Al-Marj city in Libya considering both stand-alone and grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) and wind systems is presented. The analysis of the modelling and simulation results using HOMER Pro software toll shows that the PV system is the economically optimal option comparing with the wind system. The role of solar irradiance and wind speed on the overall output of both sources of energy is highlighted by comparing the cost of energy (COE), with the results revealing that the COE in a stand-alone system for the PV and wind systems is 0.19$/kWh and 0.23$/kWh respectively, and 0.15$/kWh and 0.16$/kWh respectively for the grid-connected case. The results of this study at Al-Marj city can be used to resolve the random blackouts problem occurring in other regions of Libya.