A proposed optimization scheme for the Egyptian electrical network generation mix based on cost reduction

The energy strategy was updated in Egypt until 2035 in cooperation with the European Union. This strategy dealt with a study of all the potentials and scenarios of the energy in Egypt, where the generation mix includes nuclear power and renewable energy in addition to the traditional energy from gas and oil with a focus on renewable energy uses to reach about 42% from the generation mix. This paper includes a framework strategy to provide an optimal yearly mix from generation sources that gives minimum cost with an acceptable range from the emitted pollution and satisfying the forecasted load. The paper objective is achieved by calculating the overall generation mix in parallel with the fair sharing from each available source that gives minimum cost against the emitted pollution. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) scheme is used to implement the proposed strategy and subjected to the generation capability limit of each type of generation from solar, wind, nuclear and conventional (thermal and hydro) as given by the government. The effectiveness of this scheme is verified by comparing the results with the Egyptian network data and with conventional optimization methodology. The scheme structure was built using MATLAB library. According to the results, it has been proved that the designed scheme used with the help of the PSO can robustly and efficiently generate great economic benefits. The study concludes the importance of the framework strategy to achieve a reliable and sustainable future energy supply.