Evaluating energy, economic, and environmental aspects of solar-wind-biomass systems to identify optimal locations in Iraq: A GIS-based case study

The study evaluates the integration of solar, wind, and biomass energy systems in Iraq, targeting 88 locations to optimize electricity production for the building sector, which accounts for 45 % of the country energy consumption. The study reveals significant geographical variations in costs and efficiency, highlighting the necessity for tailored regional strategies. Three scenarios have been evaluated: Biomass-Photovoltaic (PV) and Biomass-Wind systems, and Biomass-PV-Wind hybrid scenario. The results highlight the economic superiority of southwest regions identified as optimal for Biomass-PV and Biomass-Wind applications. Transitioning to a Biomass-PV-Wind hybrid system yields a cost reduction of 61 % to 83 %. Economic assessments across scenarios reveal spatial complexities and underscore the importance of region-specific strategies. The Biomass-PV scenario indicates northern territories have the highest cost, while shorter distances to the grid are observed in middle and eastern regions. The Biomass-Wind scenario demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of wind turbines in relation to grid distance, and the hybrid Biomass-PV-Wind scenario shows potential in combining solar and wind energies, especially for stations with longer distances from the grid. Environmentally, the study assesses the CO2 emissions and surplus electricity across scenarios, noting the significant contribution of solar and wind energies to electricity production. The Biomass-PV scenario results in 105.5 kg/year of CO2 emissions, with a notable variance in surplus electricity. The Biomass-Wind scenario generates 115.2 kg/year of CO2, with a strong performance in surplus electricity production. The Hybrid Biomass-PV-Wind scenario showcases a 41.15 % average surplus electricity across stations, demonstrating its potential efficiency, but also contributes to 55.8 kg/year of CO2 emissions due to the usage of generators. •Identifies optimal locations in Iraq for efficient solar-wind-biomass hybrid systems•Southwest regions emerge as economically optimal for Biomass-PV and Biomass-Wind energy applications.•Transition to Biomass-PV-Wind hybrid mode results in a significant cost reduction ranging between 61 % and 83 %.•Variance in CO2 emissions across scenarios, emphasizing renewable sources environmental implications