Hybrid Renewable Energy Integration in Herat, Afghanistan: A Sector-Based Feasibility Study of Affordable Solar-Wind Systems

Abstract

This study investigates the technical feasibility and economic viability of implementing renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV), small-scale wind, and hybrid solar-wind configurations, in Herat City, Afghanistan. Because Herat has high solar irradiance and strong seasonal wind resources, particularly the well-known “120 Days Wind,” the study evaluates practical energy alternatives for four representative end users: households, schools, hospitals, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The methodology combines sector-based load estimation, PV and wind energy sizing, seasonal resource assessment, and financial evaluation using benefit-cost ratio (BCR), payback period (PBP), and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The results show that solar PV systems are the most practical and reliable option for households and schools because their energy demand is relatively moderate and mostly aligned with daylight operation. Hybrid solar-wind systems are more suitable for hospitals and SMEs, where continuous and higher electricity demand requires complementary energy supply. For the SME case, the hybrid system provides approximately 67.8% of the annual electricity requirement, while the remaining 32.2% is supplied by public grid electricity. Overall, the study provides a practical roadmap for decentralized renewable energy development in semi-urban Afghan districts and demonstrates the potential of affordable solar-wind systems to improve energy security, reduce long-term costs, and support environmental sustainability in post-conflict regions.