ABSTRACT
In recent years, momentum has gained for the transformation from conventional energy sources to an emphasis on alternative energy, aiming to address the global challenges of ensuring energy security and mitigating climate change impacts. The intermittent and fluctuating nature of renewable energy resources makes it challenging to integrate these sources into the grid without compromising energy reliability and stability. The continuing potential of renewable energy systems as hybrid systems remains compelling due to several sources for optimal energy generation and practical applications, while decreasing storage needs, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy. The next chapter explores how innovative technologies, including smart grids, artificial intelligence, and energy storage systems, have facilitated the advancement of hybrid energy solutions. Successful implementations include various hybrid forms, such as solar-wind, biomass-solar, and hydro-wind systems, worldwide, due to significant differences in cost-effectiveness and operational reliability. Apart from these, the Paris Agreement and other international accords, as well as government policies and financial incentives, continue to drive the development of hybrid renewable energy systems. This chapter discusses the technology improvements, economics, policy frameworks, and future perspectives of hybrid renewable energy systems in a sustainable, resilient, decentralized energy future. This chapter provides an overview of the entire book’s contents.
