7 - Deployment of Renewable Energy Systems: Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities resulting to the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere have increased the challenges faced from climate change. The increased need to mitigate the impacts of climate change has brought focus on the adverse impacts of fossil-fuel-based energy on the environment. Renewable energy sources that include biomass, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and geothermal systems and are carbon neutral, releasing relatively no emissions, are a viable solution. This chapter describes the renewable energy potential of EU-28 countries, current trends, and future prospects of energy systems in 2050. Furthermore, this chapter assesses from a technological and economical point of view a strategy for integrating renewable sources into isolated energy systems—located in Cyclades group of islands. The design of renewable energy systems involves three major technological changes: energy savings on the demand side, efficiency improvements in the energy production, and the replacement of fossil fuels by various sources of renewable energy. Based on the case of Cyclades group of islands, this chapter analyzes the problems and perspectives of converting the present energy system of Greek islands into a 100% renewable energy system.