The Social Perspective on the Renewable Energy Autonomy of Geographically Isolated Communities: Evidence from a Mediterranean Island

Abstract

Abstract:The use of renewable energy sources can provide a path toward sustainable development and regional energy independence. In particular, renewable-based energy autonomy constitutes a viable option in remote areas. This work presents a survey on the use of renewable energy as part of an energy autonomy plan on a Mediterranean island. The study also included personal communications with residents and local community leaders. The results show an overall positive attitude toward renewable energy applications. The majority of the respondents support the implementation of renewable-based, small-scale projects corresponding to local energy autonomy scenarios. They are, furthermore, convinced that a wider use of renewable technologies can reduce the environmental impact of conventional fuels. However, although people are aware of technologies widely used on the island, they are much less so when it comes to less prominent technologies (wave energy, fuel cells, etc.). People tend to be more open to installations of solar, wind and geothermal energy, while generally they dislike nuclear and coal power plants. Lastly, the majority of the respondents believe that local policies on energy issues should change, while they also perceive the lack of political will as one of the most important obstacles to the implementation of renewable technologies.

The social perspective on island energy transitions: Evidence from the Aegean archipelago

“…In line with the overall trends recorded in multiple regional studies that only explored attitudes to meso/macro level renewables (e.g. Kaldellis [36], Tampakis et al [49], Petrakopoulou [41] Sardianou and Genoudi [53], and Dimitropoulos and Kontoleon [59]), our survey results suggest that locals from across the Aegean are also likely to support hybrid expert-led visions [11,19,97] for the green/smart energy transition of the region. It is indicative that when asked to choose between energy supply from fossil fuel-based stations or hybrid RES and storage systems, preference for RES is overwhelmingespecially on islands such as Rhodes where existing fossil fuel power stations have been expanded without prior public consultation [100].…”

“…Whilst some academics (e.g. Kaldellis [36], Tampakis et al [49], and Petrakopoulou [41]) highlight widespread public support for such technologies for specific islands, there are numerous reports on national and local newspapers claiming that islanders oppose local renewable energy installations (see Gidas [92] and Deligiannis [93] for an overview). Given the growing interest in turning regions such as the Aegean archipelago into green energy hubs [7,11], it is, thus, crucial to provide timely insights into public attitudes from a large and representative sample of locals from across its islands.…”

“…by the environmental impacts of fossil fuel overexploitation, and b) far more willing to pay for local renewable installations than for upgrades to conventional local power plants. Finally, recent data from the island of Skyros suggests that the majority of locals support the implementation of renewable-based, small-scale projects corresponding to local energy autonomy scenarios[ 41] .…”

A Methodology for Analysing Sustainability in Energy Scenarios

“…However, electricity supply becomes a challenge for remote and isolated communities [16]. Renewable hybrid energy Sustainability 2017, 9, 1590 5 of 12 systems may safely generate electricity for minimum demand requirements without implementing large facilities or networks.…”

A Joint Evaluation of the Wind and Wave Energy Resources Close to the Greek Islands

“…Enclosed and semi-enclosed seas are also vital energy sources. Although their energy potential is not as high as an ocean, there is an upward trend in evaluating them [15,[23][24][25][26][27][28]. Previous studies, developed on altimeter data, reanalysis data or in situ measurements, showed that enclosed seas as the Black Sea, Caspian Sea and also Mediterranean Sea can be reliable energy sources for the proximal territories.…”