wcm.01.2026.38.45

This study investigates hybrid energy installations that integrate micro-hydropower and solar systems as a sustainable approach to water-based and renewable energy resource management in decentralized mining regions. The key challenge addressed is the high dependence on diesel generators, which leads to significant environmental impacts (800-900 tons of CO₂ emissions annually) and economic inefficiency. As a result of the research, an optimized system configuration consisting of a 50 kW micro-hydropower plant, 40 kW solar photovoltaic panels, and a 25 kWh battery storage system was developed. The proposed hybrid system generates approximately 670000 kWh of electricity per year, reduces diesel dependency by 58-62%, saves 170-185 thousand liters of fuel annually, and decreases CO2 emissions by 450-500 tons. The reliability of the system reaches 92-95%, with an availability coefficient of 0,985-0,991. These results were obtained through mathematical modeling (Equations (8)-(12), AI- and IoT-based forecasting techniques, and laboratory prototyping. A distinctive feature of the proposed solution is its adaptation to unstable load profiles and region-specific climatic and hydrological conditions typical of mining operations. From the perspective of water conservation and environmental management, the use of micro-hydropower ensures efficient utilization of local water resources without large-scale hydrological disturbance. The practical applicability of the results is focused on mining enterprises with limited access to centralized electricity supply. The system operates effectively in regions with stable water flow rates of 50-70 L/s and solar radiation levels of 5,5-6,0 kWh/m2, demonstrating that industrial-scale implementation can significantly reduce diesel consumption, lower CO2 emissions, and enhance overall environmental and economic sustainability. The study also discusses operational limitations (seasonal variability, PV soiling, and component degradation) and outlines maintenance and economic risk considerations for long-term industrial deployment.