Optimizing grid-tied hybrid renewable systems for EV charging in Egypt: A techno-economic analysis
Mostafa M. Mousa, Saber M. Saleh, Mohamed Mahmoud Samy, Shimaa Barakat
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) presents both an opportunity for decarbonization and a significant challenge to Egypt's power grid. This study presents a comprehensive techno-economic optimization and comparative analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for a high-demand EV charging plaza in three key Egyptian urban centers: Suez, 6th of October City, and Beni Suef. Utilizing HOMER Pro software, systems integrating photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines were optimized for both grid-tied and standalone configurations. The results reveal a stark performance dichotomy. Optimized grid-tied configurations, comprising a single 330 kW wind turbine and 308-417 kW of PV, are exceptionally profitable, achieving a Levelized Cost of Energy (COE) as low as $0.0040/kWh. These systems operate as net energy exporters, selling over 1,000,000 kWh of surplus renewable energy to the grid annually, which generates sufficient revenue to offset all capital and operational costs. In stark contrast, standalone systems require massive capital investment (Net Present Cost > $2.1 million) and oversized generation (7-8 wind turbines) to ensure energy autonomy, resulting in a COE 20-60 times higher than their grid-tied counterparts. Environmentally, the grid-tied systems provide substantial benefits, achieving a net reduction of over 700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually per site. This research demonstrates that grid-interactive HRES are not only economically viable but represent the optimal pathway for deploying a sustainable, profitable, and scalable EV charging infrastructure in Egypt.