LAUSR

This research assesses the feasibility of utilizing alternative energy sources for electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities in four cities representing provinces in Indonesia. The analysis employed HOMER Pro software to optimize PV and wind turbine systems to develop the most efficient hybrid system. This PV-wind hybrid system is considered more environmentally friendly than conventional systems due to its reduced fossil fuel use and increased renewable energy. The data interpretation results indicate that the optimal model for developing the Hybrid PV-Wind system is the best choice and operates effectively in Yogyakarta, with a wind contribution of 32.33% and solar energy accounting for 9.99%. This benefit is mainly attributable to Yogyakarta's favorable geographical and climatic conditions for realizing optimal wind power and solar radiation potential. Out of the four cities studied, the hybrid PV-wind system in Yogyakarta was the most effective regarding renewable energy contribution and financial viability. The hybrid PV-Wind system indeed has a high initial capital requirement. However, operational and maintenance costs are more favorable in the long run than separately installed systems (wind-only or solar-only). This contributes to the long-term efficiency goals in operational costs. Yogyakarta reported the highest Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Return on Investment (ROI), which signifies a reasonable prospect of higher and faster returns on investment. Moreover, the most remarkable annual energy output was recorded in Yogyakarta, which registered a total production of 987,155 kWh per year and the least LCOE at IDR 1,245/kWh. Nonetheless, the contribution of renewable energy sources in this scheme is still quite limited, around 27% to 42% of the total annual energy requirements. Hence, there still exists a need to buy energy from the conventional grid for the complete requirements of EV charging stations. Oehler et al. highlight the need to deploy renewable energy-based systems in EV charging stations’ operation for sustainability and efficiency. In addition, the results of this study also reinforce the urgency of the transition towards a more widespread utilization of renewable energy in the transport sector.