Optimisation of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems on Islands: A Review

Abstract

Access to energy services is recognised as a fundamental aspect of economic and social development. This is particularly important for isolated areas, where electrical supply is not guaranteed. Because of their inherent geographic characteristics, islands are prominent cases of isolated areas that must import and burn fossil fuels, with environmental and economic consequences. In this context, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) emerge as an alternative to traditional generation to reduce energy costs and environmental issues. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing HRES on islands, based on energy optimisation. We present an extensive review of HRES optimisations across 73 island cases, collecting information about energy demand, energy system sizes, and optimisation methodologies. The most commonly proposed HRES components are identified, and a significant power relationship is found between population and annual energy demand on islands. Further, we identify islands with higher-than-expected and lower-than-expected consumption and the underlying causes. The main limitations of the reviewed studies are discussed, particularly with regards to availability and quality of hourly demand data and/or meteorological data required for renewable energy assessments. Several approaches to fill these gaps in information are reviewed here, concluding with a discussion of emergent methods and technologies.