Optimizing Island Microgrids for Sustainability: Renewable Integration Strategies and Economic Viability in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of optimizing microgrid capacities with a focus on renewable energy integration in island settings, with the case study of Gili Trawangan. Employing HOMER Pro for simulations, the study assesses the island's energy consumption patterns and projects enhancements through five distinct scenarios. Each scenario is designed to evaluate the equilibrium among energy reliability, economic viability, and environmental responsibility. The study reveals that integrating high-capacity solar PV significantly reduces reliance on expensive grid power, presenting an economically viable and environmentally responsible microgrid model. Specifically, the scenario incorporating a 7.1 MW solar PV emerges as the most cost-effective, suggesting solar PV as a key driver for achieving low operational costs and high renewable energy penetration.