Increasing Renewable Energy Integration in European Islands with Storage Stakes: A Case Study of Evia, Greece
Résumé
Prospective modelling is a valuable mathematical tool for supporting long-term strategic planning in the face of uncertainties associated with future events. This analysis is conducted by defining potential future trajectories - scenarios, with the goal of exploring possible energy futures. The TIMES model is a partial equilibrium linear programming optimization tool that ensures the supply-demand equilibrium. This model identifies future expansion investments that are required in the power system to meet forecasted demand while adhering to techno-economic and environmental constraints, all at the lowest possible cost. The energy systems prospective modelling results of the two demonstration sites (Procida and Hinnoya) showed that the proposed solutions of the GIFT project that offer flexibility and grid congestion relief, they promote also the further use of RES. Evia, as a follower island, is being examined for the scalability and replicability of GIFT solutions. The island of Evia is the second largest island in Greece and the sixth largest island in the Mediterranean, as it is also interconnected with the mainland, Cyclades and Sporades. The southern part of the island is particularly interesting regarding its significantly high wind potential. Divers wind plant projects are planned in this part in order to export electricity towards other parts of Greece. In this section, the long-term assessment of the island is presented which allows to draw conclusions about the deployment of RES and GIFT solutions regarding decarbonization aspects but also the benefits for grid of the island, as also the one of Greece and hence the one of Europe.