Feasibility study of renewable energy solutions for sustainable airport infrastructure in Bangladesh: A case study of Sylhet Osmani International Airport

This study evaluates the feasibility of establishing a green and sustainable airport in Sylhet, Bangladesh, through the integration of renewable energy technologies, precisely solar and wind power. HOMER Pro and PVsyst software tools were employed to execute an in-depth simulation and optimization of hybrid energy systems under both grid-connected and standalone configurations, supporting a detailed energy, economic, and environmental assessment. The research aims to identify the most feasible system configuration through optimal component sizing, ensuring a balanced integration of cost-efficiency, energy reliability, and environmental sustainability. PVsyst enabled precise design of the solar PV subsystem by providing detailed modeling of solar resource. Meanwhile, HOMER Pro simulation results highlight the grid-connected system as the most economically viable option, offering an LCOE of $0.06/kWh and an NPC of $2.25 million, with minimal energy wastage (0.503%). The standalone system is more expensive, with an LCOE of $0.17/kWh and an NPC of $4.99 million. However, the life-cycle CO₂-equivalent assessment indicates that the standalone configuration imposes a lower overall environmental burden (162,145 kg CO₂-eq/yr) than the grid-connected alternative (207,479 kg CO₂-eq/yr), despite generating 16.4% excess electricity. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis offers essential insights for energy system optimization by quantifying the impact of variations in critical factors including fuel prices, solar irradiance, wind speed, annual electricity generation, and renewable energy share on operational performance and economic viability. The obtained results are expected to provide a sustainable energy framework for future airport infrastructure in the region, contributing to Bangladesh’s commitment to clean energy and climate resilience.