A Mathematical Model for Multi-Region, Multi-Source, Multi-Period Generation Expansion Planning in Renewable Energy for Country-Wide Generation-Transmission Planning

Environmental pollution and rapid depletion are among the chief concerns about fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. Renewable energy sources do not suffer from such limitations and are considered the best choice to replace fossil fuels. The present study develops a mathematical model for optimal allocation of regional renewable energy to meet a country-wide demand and its other essential aspects. The ultimate purpose is to minimize the total cost by planning, including power plant construction and maintenance costs and transmission costs. Minimum-cost flow equations are embedded in the model to determine how regions can supply energy to other regions or rely on them to fulfill annual demand. In order to verify the applicability of the model, it is applied to a real-world case study of Iran to determine the optimal renewable energy generation-transmission decisions for the next decade. Results indicate that the hydroelectric and solar power plants should generate the majority of the generated renewable electricity within the country, according to the optimal solution. Moreover, regarding the significant population growth and waste generation in the country’s large cities, biomass power plants can have the opportunity to satisfy a remarkable portion of electricity demand.