A recent study led by Othman Waled Khalid from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia has shed light on effective energy storage solutions tailored for small-scale, isolated grids. Published in the Edison Journal for Electrical and Electronics Engineering, the research focuses on three autonomous Greek islands—Symi, Astypalaia, and Kastelorizo—each exhibiting unique energy demands and renewable energy potentials.
The islands have a combined peak demand ranging from 0.889 MW to 3.9 MW, alongside significant solar and wind resources. This provides a promising backdrop for integrating renewable energy sources (RES) with advanced energy storage systems. The study evaluates two primary storage strategies: pumped hydro storage (PHS) for the larger islands and electrochemical storage, which includes lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for the smaller island.
Khalid’s analysis indicates that PHS systems could enable up to 99.9% annual penetration of renewable energy for Symi and Astypalaia, while Kastelorizo would benefit most from a combination of wind, photovoltaic systems, and batteries, achieving a RES penetration rate between 79.9% and 91.1%. This high level of renewable integration not only supports sustainability but also enhances energy security for these isolated regions.
The economic assessment presented in the study reveals that electricity selling prices could range from 199 to 349 €/kWh, with payback periods estimated between five to nine years. Khalid emphasizes the competitive nature of these systems: “Wind-PHS is still a competitive alternative for Symi and Astypalaia given the proper land morphology for PHS installations.” This finding highlights the potential for significant commercial opportunities in developing and deploying energy storage solutions tailored to the unique geographical and economic contexts of isolated grids.
The implications of this research extend beyond the islands themselves. As the global energy sector increasingly pivots toward sustainability, there is a growing market for innovative energy storage solutions. The findings suggest that investments in PHS and battery technologies could yield substantial returns, particularly in regions with abundant renewable resources but limited grid infrastructure.
With the demand for sustainable energy solutions rising, Khalid’s work not only contributes to academic discourse but also presents actionable insights for energy developers and policymakers looking to harness the potential of renewable energy in remote areas. As the energy landscape evolves, the strategies outlined in this study could play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy storage and distribution in similar isolated environments.
