Search

The decision-making process regarding the choice of alternative energy technologies is multidimensional, made up of a number of aspects at different levels, economic, technical, environmental and social. This paper uses a multicriteria decision making model, PROMETHEE II, to determine the best fuel mix for electricity generation in an isolated Greek island, Lesvos. Having analyzed the energy profile of the island, a set of 7 energy policy scenarios are determined and assessed against economic, technical, environmental and social criteria. The energy policy scenarios include the use of conventional fuels, wind energy and natural gas, in its liquid form, liquefied natural gas (LNG). Weighting of criteria is carried out according to three different perspectives, each one focusing on sustainability, economic and environmental/social benefits. Two sensitivity analyses are performed taking into account the fluctuations of the electricity demand and the fluctuations of the fuel prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This virtual special issue published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews contains 25 high-quality selected extended papers presented at the HERAKLION 2019 7th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management held in Heraklion, Crete in Greece from 26th to June 29, 2019. The articles published in this special issue focus on recent developments in sustainable waste-to-energy systems and waste management practices and highlight the critical challenges and potential solutions. The editorial paper aims to give a brief overview of the key findings and future perspectives proposed in these 25 selected papers. It is worth noting that although the articles presented in this special issue covered a wider range of topics, they are categorized into five categories. These include the latest developments in 1) waste-to-energy technologies, 2) biofuels and bioenergy, 3) waste valorization, 4) emerging renewable and sustainable energy systems, and finally, 5) biorefineries and circular economy. • Twenty five high quality peer-reviewed papers were selected from HERAKLION 2019 Conference. • The mian theme of sustainable waste-to-energy systems catogorised into five topics. • It will support advancement of waste-to-energy technologies and circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key factor hampering the delivery of high energy performance renovations in buildings is the under-qualification of the construction sector's workforce with regard to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources systems. Towards this direction, this paper proposes an integrated methodological framework, determining measures for the case of Greece, which are delivered in the form of a national qualification roadmap. These measures aim to enhance the qualifications of the blue collar workers and generally empower the Greek construction sector. They also facilitate the adherence of Greece to the European Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources Directives and support the attainment of the national energy objectives for 2020. The methodological framework is initiated with the analysis of the status quo of the Greek building sector and the skills and qualifications gap of the workforce, as well as the identification of the corresponding barriers that impede growth. Subsequently, a number of diverse measures are proposed and evaluated, using a synergy of decision analysis and evaluation methods. The measures that are assessed as of high priority are afterwards specified to concrete actions. Throughout the whole modular procedure, multiple relevant national bodies were actively engaged via transparent consultation procedures and multilateral discussions. Finally, 44 acknowledged organisations declared their endorsement to the roadmap by signing an official letter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 key policy analyzed in this paper, is the achievement of a significant decarbonization of the Greek Energy System by the year 2050 through the decarbonization of the two sectors presently responsible for the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions, namely power and transport. The objective is to reduce GHG emissions by 2050, through the maximization of renewable energy sources (RES) penetration in electricity, with a simultaneous intensive electrification of the transport sector and the electrical interconnection of non-connected islands. An important parameter considered in the present work is that expansion planning of power systems under environmental constraints leads to a rather complex techno-economic analysis involving large scale penetration of Renewable Energy Sources. The penetration level of variable renewable electricity is subject to a number of restrictions implied by the need for (a) storage capacity to decrease the energy curtailment which can occur when the customer load is low and RES electricity generation is high (b) fast reserve capacity to deal with variations of variable RES or combined heat and power (CHP) electricity generation (c) transmission system expansion related to the penetration of areas with high RES potential. New methodologies are developed and a number of novel scenarios are formulated in conformity with the European energy strategy towards 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the frame of this paper a wind climatology has been built for Greece, based on high resolution model simulations performed for a typical year of wind conditions over the area. The methodology followed includes: (a) the development of a typical wind year, (b) the definition of a modeling strategy and the performance of the appropriate simulations, (c) the verification of the 10-m wind speed simulated by the model against observations, (d) the statistical analysis of the wind simulations for the construction of the wind atlas. The analysis is performed at 50m and includes gridded wind speeds, the parameters of the respective Weibull distributions, and the potential power production. Finally a discussion on the effect of the topography height and slope on the wind distribution and consequently on the wind potential density is provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current economic downturn has put public budgets under pressure, reducing investments and revenues for local stakeholders to cope, among other things, with contemporary demands of environmental protection. Local-based partnerships may provide an efficient tool by adopting, integrating and implementing actions based on awareness and participation of a set of different players. This need is even more evident in rural areas in which a proposed decentralized bio-energy production model established in Agro-energy districtscan provide incentive and create a comfortable ground for the development of an energy production plant based on a mixed public-private partnership. Drawing on the implementation of a European co-funded research project the paper presents the efforts being made to build a partnership at a local level in order to cover the lack of an institutional plan and public investment for handling biomass production. Our aim is not primarily to present the best technical solution to bio-energy production but rather to illustrate the networking between different players, the public consultation, and the agreements being made under the form of Public Private Partnerships, as well as the levels of commitment and the risks taken. The gist of this study is that despite the civic engagements the inconsistent administrative environment, the dominance of the public sector and the State intervention through legislation and different political decisions, makes it still difficult for local partnerships to exercise their power and turn from government to governance in order to cope with the environmental challenges and tackle inequalities faced in rural areas. [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: The aim of the study was to present the current status of the electrical energy market, energy legislation, green house gas emissions, energy consumption trends and future prospects of sustainable development in Greece. The study described current issues relevant to the renewable energy sources (RES) such as the climatic factors that affect the penetration of RES into the Greek energy mix, the current regulation status, the barriers and evaluation of their contribution in the energy balance. The study also investigated the increasing power demand, emissions and energy trends in the residential sector in Greece. The paper evaluated the current status of the building stock, RES and the future energy related prospects of the Aegean Sea islands. The islands were categorized based on energy production cost, heating degree days, building characteristics and natural resources to identify islands with higher and lower renewable energy potentials. The study revealed that the islands with the higher potential energy savings in the residential sector are Lesbos, Lemnos, Samothrace, Chios, Andros, Patmos, Kea and Kimolos while at the same time, Rhodes, Naxos, Amorgos, Syros, Ios and Kythnos are those islands that present the lower potential. The study will help to propose action plans and implementation strategies in terms of residential renewable energy applications in non-grid interconnected islands in Greece. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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 applies a bootstrapped Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) formulation aiming to evaluate the financial performance of the firms operating in the Greek renewable energy sector. With the use of financial ratios in a DEA setting, efficiency ratios are constructed in order to analyse firms’ financial performance. The results reveal that firms’ performances are positively influenced by the high levels of return on assets and equity and by lower levels of debt to equity. In addition it appears that there are not significant differences of firms’ efficiency levels indicating high competitiveness between firms. Finally, firms producing wind energy appear to perform better than firms producing hydropower energy. It emerges that the majority of firms are operating in the wind and hydropower energy production making the Greek market of solar energy production being an emerging segment of the Greek renewable energy sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines the willingness of hoteliers, in Corfu Island of Greece, to invest in proactive energy management practices and environmental management systems to address energy problems. Three binary logistic regression models were estimated to identify those variables that affect hoteliers’ willingness to install solar water heaters, air condition inverter and to adopt EMS. It is reported that in the hotel sector there is place for energy and management improvements. This can be achieved if specific information and fiscal incentives are applied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A review of the wind parks’ environmental and human impacts, based on extended research on the most recent relevant bibliography, is carried out in the present paper. The results of former studies are presented on: [•] the impact on the aesthetic of the landscape [•] the noise emissions [•] the impact on birds and wildlife [•] the shadow flicker from wind turbines [•] the occupation of land [•] the wind turbines electromagnetic interference. In addition, the results of case studies for selected wind parks installed in the Prefecture of Lasithi in Crete, concerning their visual impacts and their noise emissions are presented. A statistical survey implemented in Crete concerning the public opinion on wind parks and wind energy is also presented. The accomplished tasks indicated: [•] There are no serious impacts caused by the installation or operation of wind parks. The wind parks’ impacts may be eliminated with the optimum selection of the installation sites and the appropriate siting of the wind turbines. [•] People in Crete exhibit a strongly positive attitude towards wind energy and wind parks, although they are not willing to pay a higher price for the electricity produced from wind parks. A map with the optimum sites for wind parks installation in the Prefecture of Lasithi was constructed, taking into account all possible restrictions concerning the use of land, the environmental conservation and the impacts on human life. This map can constitute a flexible tool for the optimum site selection for a wind park installation, contributing to the elimination of environmental and human impacts of new wind parks, to the minimization of the required project''s licensing time and to the limitation of possible negative public reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the recent years, the debate on the necessity of pumped storage systems in the Greek power supply system has started. In the current decade, the Greek power system will gradually try higher RES penetration, mainly due to wind energy and photovoltaics integration. Variability of wind and PV generation and the current structure of the Greek power system introduce technical constraints, which should be taken into consideration in the forthcoming large scale RES integration. This paper examines the ability of the Greek power system to absorb renewable power and the necessity of pumped storage systems. The feasibility of pumped storage systems is discussed in three different scenarios of wind–photovoltaics integration. Results show that for the gradual increase of variable output RES, pumped storage systems are required, but the feasibility of pumped storage systems is not proved in the intermediate scenarios of RES integration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper formulates and implements an integrated approach for estimating the employment benefits associated with the exploitation of renewable energy sources (RES) in the power sector. It builds up on well-known techniques and makes all the necessary modifications in order to take into account the specific conditions of the RES market. More specific, the proposed approach exploits the input–output methodology for estimating the direct, indirect and induced employment effects associated with the energy technologies in question and the “opportunity cost of labour” approach for expressing these effects in monetary terms. This framework has been implemented to estimate the employment benefits resulting from the development of different RES technologies in Greece, taking into account both the construction and operation phases of the relative projects. The results of the analysis clearly show that the exploitation of RES in the Greek power sector presents significant employment benefits, which are at the same order of magnitude or in several cases even higher compared to the corresponding benefits attributed to the operation of fossil-fueled power plants (e.g. lignite and natural gas). Therefore, the fulfillment of the national target for increasing the penetration of RES into the Greek power sector from approximately 12% today to 40% in 2020, will contribute, apart from the significant environmental improvements, to the overall economic development and the increase of the employment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The capacity expansion planning is a crucial process taking into account multiple aspects and various parameters of the examined power sector in order to optimally satisfy the future electricity demand. In the case of Greece, the long-term energy planning of the electricity supply sector faces a lot of challenges deriving from the peculiarities and geomorphology of the country mainly referring to the large number of islands. This paper explores the feasibility and the consequences of interconnecting Greek islands to the mainland grid by establishing two alternative scenarios of least cost electricity planning for the period 2009–2020. Namely, the reference scenario assumes isolated electric systems of islands and is compared against the alternative option of their interconnection to the mainland. The main purpose of the present study is to illustrate the great importance of islands’ interconnection on the development of renewable energy sources (RES) to generate electricity while pointing out the consequent economic and environmental benefits. [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]

Abstract: In autonomous islands, the wind penetration is restricted due to technical reasons related with the safe operation of the electrical systems. The combined use of wind energy with pumped storage (WPS) is considered as a mean to exploit the abundant wind potential, increase the wind installed capacity and substitute conventional peak supply. In this paper, the experience gained from the analysis of WPS in three specific islands is used towards the estimation of the WPS market in autonomous Greek islands. Parameterized diagrams and a methodology towards the pre-dimensioning and initial design of the WPS are proposed and used towards the estimation of the market in autonomous Greek islands. The objective is to make an initial general prefeasibility study of WPS prospects in the autonomous Greek islands. Results show that there is a significant market for WPS in Greece and the development cost of WPS is competitive to the fuel cost of local power stations in autonomous islands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Under the threat of ballooning energy bills, the Greek legal framework supporting the electricity producing photovoltaic systems (PVS) changed in January 2009 from a fixed to a de-escalating feed-in tariff schedule. In this paper we investigate the internal rate of return (IRR) on investing in PVS under the new regulatory environment. We find that the new scheme favours strongly the early entry in the market. Unless there is a significant decrease in the equipment cost over the next decade, entering the market from 2015 onwards will be prohibitive. The bias of the current policy design towards early entry in a rapidly developing set of technologies entails the risk of a lock-up with sub-optimal technological option. This outlines the importance for policy design of linking the rate of feed-in-tariff de-escalation to more realistic expectations regarding the technology learning curve. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The introduction of biomass driven energy products like bioethanol, biodiesel, Combined Heat and Power production or solid biofuels is vital for achieving the targets set from the EU for the year 2010 (20% electricity production from RES). However, in order to reach these targets, a policy plan has to be formed concerning the conversion of biomass. The aim of this paper is to examine the logistics involved in the exploitation of already available or new biomass resources and to analyse various scenarios for the economic feasibility of the use of biomass and biofuels in Greece. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The European Union (EU) from the beginning of 2007 has focused its emphasis on the development of a new policy that puts energy back at the heart of EU action. Indeed, it has very often been stated that the difficulty and complexity of achieving green energy targets in the EU will require strengthened measures to promote implementation of new energy technologies (NET), as well as measures to support the related energy Research and Technology Development (R&TD). Often forgotten is the fact, that most of all, a European-wide co-ordinated forum is needed to continuously develop and sophisticate the monitoring and methodology results, bringing together specialised statisticians, energy researchers and experts on energy socio-economics. Today a nebulous picture prevails on the existence of categorized data with regards to energy Research and Technology Development (R&TD) expenditure. In this context, aim of this paper is the presentation of energy R&TD data collection strategies, as well as the related findings for the Greek energy market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For Greece the target set by the Kyoto Protocol foresees an increase of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by up to 25% for the period 2008–2012, always with respect to 1990 levels. Apparently it is hard to achieve this target, because the current trend of emissions leads roughly to doubling the rate of increase, than to reducing it. Consequently, further support actions are required, in order to enhance the effort needed so that the country will manage to fulfill its commitments. The present paper aims at the evaluation of the existing situation and the suggestion of further actions required in the energy sector, and particularly in the exploitation of renewable energy technologies (RETs), in order to achieve the obligations that Greece has undertaken as far as the reduction of GHG emissions is concerned, in accordance to the European and international Greek commitments. The current analysis is based on the recent available data from official Greek institutions such as the relevant Ministries, the Managing Authority of the Operational Programme Competitiveness and related European institutions. Based on the results of the current study the implementation of RETs’ investments for the period 2000–2006 is estimated to cover, at best, 50% of the share corresponding to the energy sector for the national target of reducing GHG emissions. In order to achieve to a full extent the target up to 2010, an additional investment cost of some 740M€ will be needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Agricultural and animal wastes constitute a high proportion of biomass in Greece, and are able to play an important role towards the satisfaction of heat and/or energy and related material supply, with respect to the environmental protection targets. This paper describes pyrolysis, gasification and combustion, as a potential agricultural and animal waste exploitation method, and presents a comparison between those treatments when utilized as a source for renewable energy. The aim of the present work was to strengthen the interest in agricultural and animal waste potential for energy production in Greece, through a methodology for the feasibility of utilization of those kinds of wastes as renewable energy resources. A combination of technical, economic and environmental issues is presented here, and focus on the benefits that thermochemical conversion is able to offer, either in investigation or in future technological application for alternative exploitation methods of animal and agricultural wastes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines four mutually exclusive scenarios for the expansion of the Greek electricity system developed by official authorities and representing alternative views on meeting electricity demand. The aim is to encompass all positive and negative side-effects characterizing the electricity generation technologies assumed to participate in each scenario and emphasis is given to the particular role of renewable energy sources which represent a major differentiating factor between them. The calculation of economic, technical and environmental performances of the examined scenarios for the year 2010 shows that electricity planning is a complicated task since improvements in one policy target are accompanied by losses in others. In order to resolve this conflict, the scenarios are comparatively evaluated with two decision support techniques, multicriteria decision analysis and cost–benefit analysis, which are capable of broadening the strict boundaries of a financial analysis while avoiding intuitive solutions that are often applied in practice. Following the two completely different evaluation approaches, it is confirmed that the scenario assuming the highest penetration of renewable energy sources is the best compromise configuration for the Greek power generation sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This Virtual Special Issue contains extensions of some of the papers presented at the 22nd Conference of Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES′19) in Crete, Greece on the 20 to 23 October 2019 related to the scope of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. The works are not limited to review articles; most of them have significant contributions to knowledge development in the field of sustainable energy. The energy recovery and intensification section discusses nano-enhanced phase change materials and fluids, heat exchanger network synthesis and heat pump integration in industrial processes. Bio-based renewable energy covers biomass from algae, seaweed, municipal solid waste and food waste, which are converted into valuable products by anaerobic digestion, co-cracking, incineration and fermentation. The articles in the energy system management section focus on batteries, energy efficiency rating, low carbon transitions and wave energy integration technology screening. Lastly, the data-driven energy management section includes a few reviews on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 for the chemical industry from system to equipment levels. These developments have the same ultimate goal to bridge the gaps for achieving the average global temperatures rise target set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]