Energy Development in the Non-Connected Islands of the Aegean Sea: internship report

Abstract

The cost of sustaining diesel-fueled power plants in the Aegean Islands is significant in financial, social, and environmental terms. During the summer, cooling needs and tourist populations stretch island peak generation even further while the vital tourist industry is often hammpered by the limited electricity and potable water supply of local island communities. Fortunately, most Aegean Islands have optimal wind and solar potential in addition to the substantial geothermal resources of the Aegean volcanic arch. Meanwhile, the current Greek government heavily supports RES investments through its legal frame and high feed-in tariffs. This report aims to provide an overview of the Greek and Aegean electricity sectors and present the energy potential, along with the financial and legal information related to the development of onshore wind, geothermal solar plants in the non-connected Aegean Islands. The exploitation of the vast Aegean RES provides a clean and cost-saving substitute to diesel-fueled electricity generation, boosts local eco-tourism ativities and helps the Greek government achieve its national and EU energy goals.