STUDY Renewable Energy Developments PROF. NIKOS CHATZIARGYRIOU DR. IOANNIS MARGARIS DR. ARIS DIMEAS December 2016 n Renewable energy on islands provides an excellent opportunity for economic development in Greece taking into account that the islands of the Aegean sea are characterized by a significant potential mainly of wind and solar energy. n Greece already has a history of being a first mover in Europe for the use of renewables on islands with Kythnos – for solar, wind and microgrids, and Ikaria – for hybrid with storage. n The use of renewables on these islands would economically benefit the citizens and the local communities, as the current cost of energy production is high compared to the mainland. n Several new jobs can be created by implementing renewable energy sources on islands both temporarily during the construction phase, as well as permanently for operation and maintenance. n The Aegean islands provide huge opportunities for innovative technological solutions, such as hybrid systems including pumped storage as well as desalination systems, and sophisticated control systems. n Greek islands can serve as ideal testbeds for the operation of systems with very high penetration of renewables and provide valuable experience for the transfer of innovative technologies in larger interconnected systems.