Abstract
The possibility of transforming Gavdos Island located south of Crete, Greece to a 100% renewable energies island has been investigated. Gavdos Island has few inhabitants but it hosts a large number of tourists during the summer. Due to the small size of the island the use of vehicles is limited. It has abundant local energy resources, mainly solar and wind energy, which are currently underutilized. Electricity is locally generated with diesel oil and its electric grid is not interconnected with the grid of Crete. Energy demand in the island has been estimated as well as the availability of various renewable energy resources. The most reliable and cost effective of them, including solar thermal, solar and wind power, solid biomass burning and high efficiency heat pumps have been indicated for achieving a 100% renewable island. Electric vehicles must also replace conventional vehicles in order to zero carbon emissions in transport. Since the power grid in the island is isolated, electricity storage is required and it could be obtained either with electric batteries or with a small hydro-pump storage system. The nominal power of the required solar-PV system for covering all the electricity needs in Gavdos island has been estimated at 848 KWp and the required electricity storage capacity was at 19.2 MWh.
Highlights
The severe environmental problems facing humanity including climate change have mobilized the international community who is trying to decrease fossil fuels use and CO2 emissions in the atmosphere
Gavdos Island has been chosen due to its following characteristics: a) It is a small island with few permanent residents and many tourists during the summer period, b) Its electric grid is isolated from the grid of Crete, c) There are abundant renewable energy resources which could be used for electricity and heat generation with reliable and cost effective technologies, and d) Due to the small size of the island its transformation to a zero CO2 emissions island is technically easy and economically feasible
The electricity generating system in the island is owned by the Public Power Company (P.P.C.), 2) LPG used mainly for cooking, 3) Fuels used in transportation including gasoline and diesel, 4) Solid biomass used for space heating in the winter, 5) Solar thermal energy used for hot water production, and 6) Solar-PV electricity
Summary
The severe environmental problems facing humanity including climate change have mobilized the international community who is trying to decrease fossil fuels use and CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. J. Vourdoubas 62 newable energy technologies have decreased their cost and increased their reliability. Technology innovations and breakthroughs allow their increasing use in heat and power generation as well as in transport
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
