Techno-Economic Optimization of a Grid-Connected Hybrid Photovoltaic–Wind System in Failaka Island, Kuwait
Received: 15 January 2026 | Revised: 8 February 2026 | Accepted: 14 February 2026 | Online: 2 March 2026
Corresponding author: Turki AlQemlas
Abstract
Kuwait's national electricity grid is increasingly contending with summer peak demand and stress on the infrastructure caused by population growth and extensive air conditioning use. As part of the transition toward a sustainable power system, this study examines the techno-economic feasibility of introducing a grid-connected hybrid Photovoltaic (PV)-wind energy system for Failaka Island, located 20 km from Kuwait's coast. Using the HOMER Pro optimization platform, the study analyzes optimal system configuration, Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE), Net Present Cost (NPC), and renewable energy fraction, using validated solar and wind resource data. The results indicate that Failaka Island has an annual average solar irradiation of 5.6 kWh/m2/day and wind speeds of 6.0 m/s at a 100 m hub height, with both resources peaking during the summer months. The optimal configuration comprises 208 kW of PV capacity, one 1.5 MW wind turbine, a 44-kW power converter, a 1 MWh lithium-ion battery with zero annual throughput under the optimal grid-connected configuration, and a 1 MW grid interconnection. The system achieves a renewable energy fraction of 65.7%, an LCOE of 0.148 $/kWh, and an NPC of $9,560,000. Annual electricity production is dominated by wind generation of 3,127,902 kWh/yr and PV generation of 343,746 kWh/yr, while grid purchases and sales are 1,714,414 and 1,349,232 kWh/yr, respectively. These findings show that grid-connected hybrid renewable systems can substantially enhance clean energy penetration and significantly reduce dependence on grid imports. Moreover, a scalable model is provided for Kuwait's island electrification strategy aligned with Vision 2035 objectives, highlighting the potential of hybrid systems to mitigate grid stress and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Keywords:
hybrid renewable energy systems, photovoltaic-wind integration, HOMER Pro optimization, island electrification, techno-economic analysis, grid-connected systems, energy storageDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ali Fard, Abdulmohsen Al-Qallaf, Nasser Al-Roomi, Khaled Msaieed, Saleh Mahmoud, Turki AlQemlas
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