This paper details the development of a linear model to optimize the sizing of a hybrid renewable energy supply system (HRESS) for remote rural villages in developing countries. The model studied is defined by its energy supply versatility to rural household consumers. It includes electrical energy, thermal energy for cooking, and also muscular energy used for transport and manual work related to the HRESS and agriculture. For HRESS design, the approach optimizes the objective function related to total annual cost. Our optimization methodology is organized around simplex and genetic algorithms. They are simple to implement and compatible with linear programming. First, we use the deterministic simplex method for model design; second, we use a genetic algorithm as a heuristic to optimize the multi-criteria objective function. The simplex method yields a solution based on weighting coefficients α for cost, β: for CO2 emissions, and γ: for renewable energy sources. Our approach provides a three-dimensional Pareto front (total cost, CO2 emissions, and share of renewable sources). To demonstrate the design process of HRESS, a numerical study is drawn from the fishing village of Lavanono, located in the extreme south of Madagascar. In the context of minimizing total cost Z, the single economic-criterion method demonstrates a preference for non-renewable energy sources. Specifically, the implementation of the simplex and genetic algorithm methods results in the selection of diesel generators for 100% of the electricity supply, with a production of 128,551 kWh, and firewood for 100% of the energy for cooking, with a production of 379,600 kWh. The novelty of our approach lies in the integration of human and animal muscle power into the HRESS. The optimization of this approach yields 12 workers (1,382 kWh) and 10 beef domestic power (5,760 kWh) in the HRESS. The aforementioned amount is equivalent to Z=38,052 USD. The three-dimensional Pareto front is utilized to achieve a sustainable HRESS. The intermediate compromise is as follows: an 80% share of renewable energy sources: agrivoltaics, wind, and biogas. Agrivoltaics and wind power together provide 80% of the electricity supply. The diesel generator supplies the remaining 20%. It is estimated that biogas accounts for approximately 40% of clean cooking in the village of Lavanono. The emission limit of HRESS is set at 150 tons of carbon dioxide per year. In this case, the total cost of the project becomes Z = 70,500 USD.
| Published in | International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering (Volume 15, Issue 5) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11 |
| Page(s) | 124-138 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Off-grid Electrification, Hybrid Energy, Linear Programming, Genetic Algorithm
| [1] |
Sustainable Energy For All. Planification énergétique intégrée. Available from:
https://www.seforall.org/system/files/2024-09/ (Accessed 02 mars 2025). |
| [2] | Ramaharo, F. M, Rajaonarison, N. R. Principal component regression analysis of electricity consumption factors in Madagascar, Munich Personal RePEc Archive MPRA. 2023, Paper No 116142. |
| [3] | Rakotondrainintsimba, M. P. Evolution of Production Sales Subscribers and Revenue together at Jirama, Planning Department JIRAMA, Madagascar. 2024. |
| [4] | Electricity Regulatory Office. New Energy Policy 2015 - 2030, Madagascar Energy Policy Letter, Hydroelectric sites. Available from: |
| [5] | Rakotoniaina, S. H. Energy situation in Madagascar. Conference on “European energy policy for islands and regions”. 26 octobre au 4 novembre 2005, Reunion Island. |
| [6] |
Cabinet de Recrutements, Formations, Conseils et Coaching. CTHR Madagascar. Quels types de tourisme mettent en valeur les atouts de Madagascar. Available from:
https://cthrmadagascar.com/2025 (Accessed 6 December 2025). |
| [7] | Ramakumar, R., Shetty, P. S., and Ashenai, K. A. Linear Programming Approach to the Design of Integrated Renewable Energy Systems for Developing Countries, IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. EC- 1, N°4, December 1986. |
| [8] | K. Kusakana, H. J. Vermaak, et G. P. Yuma. Optimization of Hybrid Standalone Renewable Energy Systems by Linear Programming, Adv. Sci. Lett., vol. 19, no 8, p. 2501‑2504, août 2013, |
| [9] | Stoyanov, L. Study of various hybrid system structures based on renewable energy sources. Jointly supervised doctoral thesis. University of Corse Pasquale Paoli, Technical University of Sofia, 2011. |
| [10] |
Applied Energy, Implementation of agrophotovoltaics: Techno-economic analysis of the price-performance ratio and its policy implications Available from:
https://linkinghub.elsvier.com/. (Accessed 12 august 2025). |
| [11] | Vendoti, S., Muralidhar, M. Kiranmayi, R. Modelling and optimization of an off-grid hybrid renewable energy system for electrification in a rural areas. |
| [12] | Parikh, J. K., Kromer, G. H. Modeling energy and agriculture interactions-II: Food-Fooder-Fuel-Fertilizer Relationships for biomass in Bengladesh, Energy, 1985, Volume 10, Numero 7, page 805-817. |
| [13] | Khenfous, S., Kaabeche, A., Diaf, S. Sizing optimization of a hybrid photovoltaic/wind system using metaheuristic methods, J. Ren. Energies, June 2017, volume 20, Numéro 2, page 267-284, |
| [14] |
Sun'Agri, Baromètre 2025 Sun’Agri - Ipsos. Agrivoltaics among the top 3 climate protection solutions - L'Echo du Solaire, Available from:
www.sunagri.fr (Accessed 04 March 2025). |
| [15] | Metha, K., Zörner, W. Optimizing Agri-PV System: Systematic Methodology to Assess Key Design Parameters. Energies, Vol. 18, Num 14, Available from: |
| [16] | Mohit, S., Surya, S. Dynamic Models for Wind Turbines and Wind Power Plants, National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL, 2011, NREL/SR-5500-52780, University of Texas at Austin. DOI.org (Crossref) |
| [17] |
Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. FNR. Guide sur le biogaz - De la production à l'utilisation, Available from:
www.fnr.de Numéro de commande 627. FNR 2013. |
| [18] | Couturier, Ch. Techniques de production d'électricité à partir de biogaz et de gaz de synthèse, Rapport final, RECORD, SOLAGRO, février 2009, |
| [19] | Beurrier, M. Modern Animal Traction in Agriculture: Four French and Swiss Case Studies, Master's in Agroecology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, 2020-2021. |
| [20] | Multon, F., Delamarche, P. L'énergie chez l'homme. JEEA Cachan, mars 2002, |
| [21] |
Auffret, A. How many calories per day? Calculating calorie needs. Available from:
https://toutpourmasante.fr/ (Accessed 12 march 2023). |
| [22] |
French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). Agriculture and Energy Efficiency 2019- Rapport final. Available from:
www.ademe.fr/mediatheque Octobre 2024. Nombre de page 85. |
| [23] |
Horse power, Animal traction around the world. Available from:
https://www.energie-cheval.fr/en/ (Accessed 30 January 2024). |
| [24] | Millogo, V., Kere, M. Assessment of the pulling power and working speed of beef using a digital dynamometer at the start of the agricultural season in Burkina Faso. Tropicultura. 2020. |
| [25] |
Starkey, P., H. The introduction intensification and diversification of the use of animal power in the West African farming systems. 1986. Available from:
https://www.animaltraction.net/AnimalpowerSL86/APFSPart2Potentialp97PStarkey.pdf (Accessed 15 May 2024). |
| [26] | Ajasse, A., Meunier, S., Reinbold, V., Bureau, A., Rakotoniaina, S., H. and Labouré, E. Impact of Diesel Generator Integration on the Economic Performance of Rural PV Microgrids, IEEE PowerAfrica, 2025, Cairo, Egypt, pp. 1-6, |
| [27] | Kusakana, K., Vermaak, H., J., Yuma, G., P. Optimization of Hybrid Standalone Renewable Energy Systems by Linear Programming. Advanced Science Letters, 2013, Volume 19, numero 8, page 2501-2504, |
| [28] | Bouharchouche, A., Bouabdallah, A., Berkouk, El., M., Diaf, S., Belmili, H. Design and development of software for sizing a hybrid wind-photovoltaic energy system. Journal of Renewable Energies, 2023, Volume 17, numero 3, |
| [29] | Abbes, D. Contribution to the sizing and optimization of hybrid wind-photovoltaic systems with batteries for off-grid residential housing.Thesis, University of Poitiers. 2012. |
| [30] | Indoniavo, I., Optimisation d'un système d'énergie hybride par la programmation génétique: Solaire - Éolienne - Biogaz -Batterie: cas du village de Lavanono. Master en Génie électrique. Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique d'Antananarivo 2024. |
| [31] | Sahoo, S. K., Pamucar, D., S. S, Goswami, A Review of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). Applications to solve Energy Management Problems from 2010-2025: Current State and Future Research. Analyse systématique des méthodes MCDM appliquées à l’énergie, avec focus sur les approches hybrides et les incertitudes. Scientific Oasis. |
| [32] | Pamucar, D., Chatterjee, P., Kadry, S. Hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approaches for Complex Systems. 2025. |
| [33] | Kamari, M. L, Isvand, H, Nazari, M. A, Applications of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). Methods in Renewable Energy, Journal of Renewable Energy Research 1006 and Application (RERA), 2020, Vol 1, N° 1, 4754, |
| [34] |
DataCamp. Algoritme génétique Guide complet avec mise en œuvre de Python. Available from:
https/www.datacamp.com/fr/tutorial/genetic-algorithm-python (Accessed 18 november 2025). |
| [35] | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) POWER NASA, Data Access Viewer (DAV), Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resource (POWER), Downloaded at 7/23/2024 at 8: 09: 17 PM. |
| [36] |
La Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Biogas Guide – From Production to Use, Available from:
https://www.fnr.de/fileadmin/Projekte/2021//Mediathek/finalweb-leitfcedenbiogas-fr-20130503.pdf |
| [37] | Gupta, A., Saini, R P., Sharma, M P. Hybrid energy system sizing incorporating battery storage: An analysis via simulation calculation. Third International Conference on Power Systems, 2009, Kharagpur, INDIA, December 27-29, Paper Identification Number – 86. |
| [38] | Masip, Y., Gutierrez, A., Morales, J., Campo, A., Valín, M. Integrated Renewable Energy System Based on IREOM Model and Spatial-Temporal Series for Isolated Rural Areas in the Region of Valparaiso, Chile. Energies. 2019, Volume 12, num 6, page 1110. |
| [39] |
Picbleu. 2026 Energy Prices: Electricity, Heating Oil, Wood, Natural Gas, and LPG. Available from:
https://picbleu.fr (Accessed 30 January 2026). |
APA Style
Rakotoniaina, S. H., Indoniavo, I., Andriatsihoarana, H. (2026). Hybrid Renewable Energy Supply System for Remote Villages of Grid in Madagascar Using Linear Programming by Simplex Method and Genetic Algorithms. International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering, 15(5), 124-138. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11
ACS Style
Rakotoniaina, S. H.; Indoniavo, I.; Andriatsihoarana, H. Hybrid Renewable Energy Supply System for Remote Villages of Grid in Madagascar Using Linear Programming by Simplex Method and Genetic Algorithms. Int. J. Energy Power Eng. 2026, 15(5), 124-138. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11
AMA Style
Rakotoniaina SH, Indoniavo I, Andriatsihoarana H. Hybrid Renewable Energy Supply System for Remote Villages of Grid in Madagascar Using Linear Programming by Simplex Method and Genetic Algorithms. Int J Energy Power Eng. 2026;15(5):124-138. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11
@article{10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11,
author = {Solofo Hery Rakotoniaina and Iderana Indoniavo and Harlin Andriatsihoarana},
title = {Hybrid Renewable Energy Supply System for Remote Villages of Grid in Madagascar Using Linear Programming by Simplex Method and Genetic Algorithms},
journal = {International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {124-138},
doi = {10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijepe.20261505.11},
abstract = {This paper details the development of a linear model to optimize the sizing of a hybrid renewable energy supply system (HRESS) for remote rural villages in developing countries. The model studied is defined by its energy supply versatility to rural household consumers. It includes electrical energy, thermal energy for cooking, and also muscular energy used for transport and manual work related to the HRESS and agriculture. For HRESS design, the approach optimizes the objective function related to total annual cost. Our optimization methodology is organized around simplex and genetic algorithms. They are simple to implement and compatible with linear programming. First, we use the deterministic simplex method for model design; second, we use a genetic algorithm as a heuristic to optimize the multi-criteria objective function. The simplex method yields a solution based on weighting coefficients α for cost, β: for CO2 emissions, and γ: for renewable energy sources. Our approach provides a three-dimensional Pareto front (total cost, CO2 emissions, and share of renewable sources). To demonstrate the design process of HRESS, a numerical study is drawn from the fishing village of Lavanono, located in the extreme south of Madagascar. In the context of minimizing total cost Z, the single economic-criterion method demonstrates a preference for non-renewable energy sources. Specifically, the implementation of the simplex and genetic algorithm methods results in the selection of diesel generators for 100% of the electricity supply, with a production of 128,551 kWh, and firewood for 100% of the energy for cooking, with a production of 379,600 kWh. The novelty of our approach lies in the integration of human and animal muscle power into the HRESS. The optimization of this approach yields 12 workers (1,382 kWh) and 10 beef domestic power (5,760 kWh) in the HRESS. The aforementioned amount is equivalent to Z=38,052 USD. The three-dimensional Pareto front is utilized to achieve a sustainable HRESS. The intermediate compromise is as follows: an 80% share of renewable energy sources: agrivoltaics, wind, and biogas. Agrivoltaics and wind power together provide 80% of the electricity supply. The diesel generator supplies the remaining 20%. It is estimated that biogas accounts for approximately 40% of clean cooking in the village of Lavanono. The emission limit of HRESS is set at 150 tons of carbon dioxide per year. In this case, the total cost of the project becomes Z = 70,500 USD.},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Hybrid Renewable Energy Supply System for Remote Villages of Grid in Madagascar Using Linear Programming by Simplex Method and Genetic Algorithms AU - Solofo Hery Rakotoniaina AU - Iderana Indoniavo AU - Harlin Andriatsihoarana Y1 - 2026/09/27 PY - 2026 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11 DO - 10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11 T2 - International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering JF - International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering JO - International Journal of Energy and Power Engineering SP - 124 EP - 138 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2326-960X UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepe.20261505.11 AB - This paper details the development of a linear model to optimize the sizing of a hybrid renewable energy supply system (HRESS) for remote rural villages in developing countries. The model studied is defined by its energy supply versatility to rural household consumers. It includes electrical energy, thermal energy for cooking, and also muscular energy used for transport and manual work related to the HRESS and agriculture. For HRESS design, the approach optimizes the objective function related to total annual cost. Our optimization methodology is organized around simplex and genetic algorithms. They are simple to implement and compatible with linear programming. First, we use the deterministic simplex method for model design; second, we use a genetic algorithm as a heuristic to optimize the multi-criteria objective function. The simplex method yields a solution based on weighting coefficients α for cost, β: for CO2 emissions, and γ: for renewable energy sources. Our approach provides a three-dimensional Pareto front (total cost, CO2 emissions, and share of renewable sources). To demonstrate the design process of HRESS, a numerical study is drawn from the fishing village of Lavanono, located in the extreme south of Madagascar. In the context of minimizing total cost Z, the single economic-criterion method demonstrates a preference for non-renewable energy sources. Specifically, the implementation of the simplex and genetic algorithm methods results in the selection of diesel generators for 100% of the electricity supply, with a production of 128,551 kWh, and firewood for 100% of the energy for cooking, with a production of 379,600 kWh. The novelty of our approach lies in the integration of human and animal muscle power into the HRESS. The optimization of this approach yields 12 workers (1,382 kWh) and 10 beef domestic power (5,760 kWh) in the HRESS. The aforementioned amount is equivalent to Z=38,052 USD. The three-dimensional Pareto front is utilized to achieve a sustainable HRESS. The intermediate compromise is as follows: an 80% share of renewable energy sources: agrivoltaics, wind, and biogas. Agrivoltaics and wind power together provide 80% of the electricity supply. The diesel generator supplies the remaining 20%. It is estimated that biogas accounts for approximately 40% of clean cooking in the village of Lavanono. The emission limit of HRESS is set at 150 tons of carbon dioxide per year. In this case, the total cost of the project becomes Z = 70,500 USD. VL - 15 IS - 5 ER -