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Abstract: An initiative namely “SAVE or EXOIKONOMO” is implemented in Greece and includes development and implementation of municipal investment plans for sustainable energy development in urban areas. However, a part of the investments’ funds is covered by the government and most of the municipalities have serious difficulties in successful participation in this initiative. As a result, further efforts and “new” financial mechanisms are necessary in order to support the implementation of sustainable energy investments in urban areas. The scope of the current paper is to investigate the potential of implementing “JESSICA” as a complementary financing mechanism in the context of the development of sustainable energy investments. In specific, the successful financing of the strategic plan by Rhodes Municipality in Greece for improving energy efficiency is analyzed in this paper. Based on the results, the utilization of JESSICA for financing sustainable energy investments in urban areas of municipal authorities seems to fit well into the overall requirements of JESSICA as a financing mechanism of integrated urban development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The decarbonization of energy system requires the promotion of sustainable energy policies. Towards this direction, a holistic approach is required that is based on an in-depth analysis of the links related to the energy system transformation chain. Among others, implementing electrification of road transport is widely discussed, mainly to encounter climate change and environmental pollution in urban areas. This paper presents a methodological scheme to estimate environmental and social benefits (internalization of externalities) associated with the promotion of vehicle fleet electrification. Emphasis is given on urban scale, where electric vehicles have their main environmental advantage over conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Demonstration of the applicability is performed for Greece, focusing on the three largest cities of the country. Reductions of energy consumption and emissions are estimated for two defined scenarios in the 2020–2050 period and the benefits to public are monetized. Among others, the scenario that intensively promotes electrification of vehicles, contributes to the avoidance of 10.200 Years of Life Lost due to premature mortality attributed to particulate pollution, saving more than 730 M€ as social benefit. These results can be used to assess the cost-benefit of energy and transport policies intended to promote vehicle fleet electrification in urban areas. • Methodology to estimate environmental and social benefits of fleet electrification. • Emphasis to urban scale, where electric vehicles present environmental advantages. • Application for the three largest cities of Greece: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra. • 10.200 Years of Life Lost avoided associated to the intense penetration scenario. • The social benefit of electrification is estimated at the order of 730 M€. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the present paper a Linear Programming (LP) methodology for the city of Athens, Attica region is implemented trying to identify the energy supply levels based on the energy use, aiming to determine the optimal way for the energy needs to be covered. The final aim was to find the best solution/s to meet the (metropolitan) city''s energy needs using Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and additionally implement a techno-economic analysis through a developed tool, in order to find which RES should participate in the city''s energy system examining different scenarios focusing not only on the projects'' economical success but also on minimizing the cost for the society. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy sources are called to play an important role as regards the increasing energy demand worldwide. In particular, the need to address the problems created by the oil crises has distinguished the importance of renewable energy in economic development. Biomass is recognized as one of the most important renewable energy sources that can contribute decisively to the energy needs of modern society and the environment protection, in both industrialized and developing countries. A very important source of biomass is wood and especially fuelwood. In Greece, because of the economic crisis, there is an increased consumption of fuelwood, especially in rural areas. In this paper, using a questionnaire and descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis, we explore the determinants of fuelwood consumption in a rural area, in order to propose appropriate policies for the efficient supply of the market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper aims at providing useful insights into tourists’ preferences for choosing to stay in hotels equipped with Energy Saving Installations (ESI) and Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Factors related to these decisions were studied through 2308 face to face interviews taken at the departure terminals of the two international airports of Crete, Greece. Results show that 86% of the respondents would prefer to stay in hotels equipped with ESI, and 87% in hotels with RES, rather than staying in hotels of identical quality which do not have either ESI or RES. Furthermore, the percentages of respondents who would be willing to pay fee surcharges for a hotel equipped with ESI or RES are 75 and 77%, respectively, as compared to hotels of identical quality which do not have either ESI or RES. Tourists from countries with high energy awareness, prove to be more willing to choose to stay at and pay for hotels with ESI and RES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]