Innovative Energy Projects and Policies for the Energy Transition of Small Greek Islands

Many islands around the world, particularly Non-Interconnected Islands (NIIs), use oil products to meet their electricity needs. Several of these islands enjoy excellent renewable energy potential. This potential of NIIs encourages actions to maximize the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as part of the energy transition (ET) process. Furthermore, community-based renewable energy projects and equitable access to energy for citizens are critical issues on the global political agenda to support ET, especially at the local level. Sustainable ET for NIIs is a challenging task. Technological, economic, social, regulatory and environmental issues arise during the process. The issues of respecting the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the islands, addressing insularity and national security problems create a complex field. In addition, the decentralization of the electricity system constitutes the greatest technical challenge for islands’ energy supply. The current research work examines innovative projects related to the ET of Greek small NIIs. A framework according to energy transition indicators is developed, in order to study the results at the local level. Using the experience obtained by the analysis presented, one may schedule and implement socially acceptable and successful ET projects in the context of the GR-eco islands initiative.