Remote and northern communities in Canada face significant challenges in achieving sustainable energy access due to their geographic isolation and dependence on carbon-intensive diesel power. This paper explores hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) as a viable solution and a pathway for sustainable development to address these issues. The study assesses the technical feasibility and economic viability of implementing HRES in Canada’s remote northern communities. HRES integrate multiple renewable energy sources to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness. A methodology is developed using an advanced simulation tool to design, simulate, and optimize HRES configurations tailored to local conditions, load profiles, and available resources. The optimization process aims to minimize the net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for these systems. The proposed HRES includes solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, an organic Rankine cycle (ORC)-based biomass combined heat and power (BCHP) system, and batteries. Results show that an optimized HRES configuration achieves an LCOE of $0.316/kWh for a case study community, representing a 42.9% reduction compared to diesel power. The HRES meets an average load demand of 4,846.56 kWh/day and a peak load of 286.37 kW. Annually, it generates 2,283,617 kWh, with ORC-based BCHP contributing 751,659 kWh (and 1,983,049 kWhth of thermal energy), solar PV providing 342,622 kWh, and wind turbines supplying 1,189,336 kWh. This study advances the understanding of sustainable renewable energy systems, supporting environmentally responsible solutions to meet community energy needs. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights to inform decision-making for sustainable energy transitions in Canada’s remote and northern regions.
