In remote areas, electricity is no longer merely a service; rather, it constitutes a vital lifeline for daily living, development, and stability. Within this context, where geographical constraints impose challenges on the cost and reliability of energy supply, a study conducted by a research team led by Prof. Abdullah bin Hamed Al Badi from the College of Engineering concludes that the development of hybrid energy systems in the Al Hallaniyat Islands, Masirah Island, and Duqm can provide more efficient and sustainable alternatives for meeting electricity demand in isolated regions, while simultaneously reducing both costs and emissions. 

The study employed a comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental analysis based on real-world data on electrical loads, wind speeds, and solar radiation across the three locations. The analysis was conducted using the HOMER Pro simulation tool to evaluate a range of proposed scenarios. These scenarios included hybrid systems combining solar and wind energy with battery storage, alongside supporting options incorporating diesel generators, natural gas, or fuel cells. The objective was to identify an optimal energy mix that ensures higher reliability, lower cost, and reduced environmental impact. 

The findings indicate that a hybrid system based on renewable energy integrated with natural gas achieved the best economic performance in locations with high electricity demand, particularly in Duqm. In this case, the levelised cost of energy was estimated at US$0.100 per kilowatt-hour, compared with US$0.126 for a renewable-diesel system and US$0.61 for a renewable-fuel cell system. The results demonstrate that this option is significantly more cost-effective than the alternatives, although systems relying entirely on renewable energy sources achieve greater reductions in emissions. 

On Masirah Island, the study shows that the development of a fully renewable system based on green hydrogen is technically feasible; however, it remains costly at the present stage, with an estimated total cost of approximately US$966 million. In contrast, on the Al Hallaniyat Islands, where electricity demand is relatively lower, a system combining solar and wind energy with battery storage emerged as a practical and suitable solution for local demand conditions. 

The study highlights important implications for policymakers and the energy sector, indicating that uniform solutions are not appropriate for all locations. Instead, system design should be tailored to the specific characteristics of each area, including electricity demand, natural resource availability, and operational costs. The study further recommends continued investment in energy storage technologies, smart grids, demand-side management, and green hydrogen infrastructure, in order to enhance energy security and support sustainability objectives, particularly in regions that are not connected to the main grid.