Summary Generation expansion planning (GEP) is a power plant mix problem that identifies what, where, when, and how new generating facilities should be installed and when old units be retired over a specific planning horizon. GEP ensures that the quantity of electricity generated matches the electricity demand throughout the planning horizon. This kind of planning is of importance because most production and service delivery is dependent on availability of electricity. Over the years, the traditional GEP approaches have evolved to produce more realistic models and new solution algorithms. For example, with the agitation for green environment, the inclusion of renewable energy plants and energy storage in the traditional GEP model is gradually gaining attention. In this regards, a handful of research has been conducted to identify the optimal expansion plans based on various energy‐related perspectives. The appraisal and classification of studies under these topics are necessary to provide insights for further works in GEP studies. This article therefore presents a comprehensive up‐to‐date review of GEP studies. Result from the survey shows that the integration of demand side management, energy storage systems (ESSs), and short‐term operational characteristics of power plants in GEP models can significantly improve flexibility of power system networks and cause a change in energy production and the optimal capacity mix. Furthermore, this article was able to identify that to effectively integrate ESS into the generation expansion plan, a high temporal resolution dimension is essential. It also provides a policy discussion with regard to the implementation of GEP. This survey provides a broad background to explore new research areas in order to improve the presently available GEP models.

According to the United Nation Development Programme, access to modern low-cost energy systems in developing countries is important in the realization of the globally agreed developmental goals, as well as the Millennium Development Goals, and sustainable development, which would assist in the reduction of poverty and to improve the conditions and quality of life for the greater part of the world's population. Planners have suggested hybrid energy system for the electrification of rural areas worldwide. This study investigates the techno-economic and environmental effect of applying demand side management (DSM) activities to rural loads before design and sizing of hybrid energy systems for such community. Iporin a rural area in Ibadan, Nigeria which is endowed with an average daily solar radiation of 3.84 kWh/m 2 /day was taken as a case study. The total daily consumption which was initially estimated as 297 kWh/day after the application of DSM techniques dropped to 130 kWh/day representing a decrease of 56.80 %. Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables software was used for simulation and optimization purpose. Parameters such as DSM index, net present cost, and emission level were used in determining the effect of the DSM technique. Overall, the DSM activities proved to be more economical and environmental friendly.

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