Energy Self-Sufficiency in Rural Areas; Case Study: North Euboea, Greece

Energy Self-Sufficiency in Rural Areas; Case Study: North Euboea, Greece

The modern globalized civilization is sustained by interactions, trade, the transportation of goods, and energy. Energy self-sufficiency is crucial in rural and disaster-prone areas like North Euboea because dependence on external energy supplies can leave regions vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical risks. In such isolated regions, energy independence ensures resilience in natural disasters and economic instability. The alternative to self-sufficiency often involves reliance on centralized energy systems, fossil fuels, or external imports, which may not always be reliable or sustainable.

Therefore, in this study, we explore the possibility of an area having energy self-sufficiency. As a case study, we chose North Euboea in Greece, explicitly focusing on the Municipality of Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna. The analysis combines local land use patterns, energy needs for inhabitants, agriculture and water requirements. It is followed by exploring various renewable energy sources, including hydropower, biomass, solar, and wind. We considered the stochastic nature of renewable energy production and the challenges associated with energy storage.

The findings suggest that while wind turbines and solar panels could be installed in the area and contribute significantly to energy needs, achieving complete self-sufficiency requires careful planning, particularly regarding energy storage and the social acceptance of these installations. The results highlight the need for a holistic approach that integrates environmental, landscape, societal, and technical considerations in designing and implementing renewable energy systems. Additionally, it is highlighted that the available renewable energy from forest biomass (before the 2021 megafire event) could reliably and adequately meet the area’s energy needs without requiring investments in photovoltaic parks and wind turbines and without competing with the use of agricultural land.

Solar Energy

The region’s climate is favorable for solar energy production, with an average annual solar insolation of 1,534 kWh/m2 or 5.52 GJ/m2. By correlating the solar radiation data with the efficiency curve of photovoltaic (PV) panels, we estimate that one hectare of land could produce 1,652 MWh/ha or 5,950 GJ/ha annually. However, due to terrain and other construction parameters, only about 50% of the surface area is typically covered with PV panels, limiting the total potential.

Wind Energy

The region also has a good wind resource, with an average wind speed of 8 m/s at 8 meters above ground level. A 3 MW wind turbine could generate 8,359 MWh or 30,095 GJ annually. Considering that 20% of the municipality (approximately 11,500 ha) has suitable areas for wind turbine installations, up to 230 wind turbines could be deployed in the region.

Hydroelectric Power

The two main rivers in the area, Nileas and Kireas, have a combined average discharge of 1.5 m3/s. While the terrain does not allow for large-scale hydropower projects, a series of small hydroelectric units with a total capacity of 15 kW each could generate 473 GJ per year. Though the hydropower potential is limited, these infrastructures could provide additional benefits, such as protecting against flood-induced erosion.

Energy Storage Solutions

The stochastic nature of solar and wind energy production necessitates the use of energy storage solutions to stabilize the system. Battery storage could be utilized, with daily regulation provided by 2 MWh/ha for PV and 6 MWh per 3 MW wind turbine. However, the costs of such extensive battery deployments would be prohibitive.

Alternatively, pumped hydro storage could be explored as a more cost-effective solution, leveraging the area’s topography and existing water resources. By storing energy during periods of surplus and discharging it during times of high demand, pumped hydro could help balance the intermittency of renewable generation.

Challenges in Rural Energy Provision

Despite the significant potential of renewable energy sources in North Euboea, achieving complete energy self-sufficiency faces several challenges:

Grid Infrastructure Constraints

The region’s remote location and limited grid connectivity make it difficult to export excess renewable energy or draw upon external sources during periods of low local generation.

Accessibility and Remoteness

The rugged terrain and dispersed population of North Euboea complicate the deployment and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind turbines and solar farms.

Community Engagement

Gaining public acceptance for large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly wind turbines, remains a significant hurdle due to concerns over landscape aesthetics and environmental impacts. Integrating community input and addressing these concerns is crucial for the success of such initiatives.

Sustainable Development Initiatives

To overcome these challenges and enable energy self-sufficiency in North Euboea, a multi-faceted approach is required, incorporating the following sustainable development initiatives:

Integrated Energy Planning

Adopting a holistic, water-energy-food nexus approach to balance the competing demands on land, water, and energy resources in the region. This involves careful consideration of trade-offs and synergies between various sectors.

Microgrid Deployment

Implementing decentralized microgrids powered by a mix of renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass, could enhance the resilience and reliability of the local energy system, reducing reliance on the main grid.

Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

Developing supportive policy mechanisms, such as feed-in tariffs, net metering, and renewable energy auctions, can incentivize renewable energy investments and community-led initiatives in rural areas.

Public-Private Partnerships

Fostering collaboration between the public sector, local communities, and private companies can mobilize the necessary financial resources, technological expertise, and community engagement to deploy sustainable energy solutions in North Euboea.

By embracing these sustainable development initiatives, the Municipality of Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna in North Euboea can capitalize on its abundant renewable energy resources and achieve a higher degree of energy self-sufficiency, enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the local community. This case study serves as a model for other rural and disaster-prone regions seeking to harness their renewable energy potential and reduce their dependence on external energy supplies.

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