Microgrid optimal scheduling considering flexible loads and green certificate-carbon joint trading

Abstract With the increasing interconnection of energy resources and the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, enhancing the accommodation capability of photovoltaic and wind power within microgrids has become essential for achieving energy conservation, emission reduction, and low-carbon economic dispatch. To this end, this study proposes an optimal scheduling model for a microgrid that simultaneously incorporates the green certificate–carbon joint trading mechanism and flexible loads. The proposed model aims to minimize the total system cost while improving renewable energy utilization and promoting carbon emission reduction. It comprehensively considers the impacts of carbon emission trading (CET) costs, green certificate trading (GCT) costs, and the operational characteristics of flexible loads. To solve the formulated optimization problem, an improved Harris Hawks Optimization (IHHO) algorithm is developed. Comparative analyses under multiple operating scenarios validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed model in enhancing renewable energy integration and facilitating deep decarbonization of the microgrid system.