renewable resort: greek island to run on wind, solar power - battery energy storage

TILOS, Greece (AP)—
When it's 800 blade
The kilowatt-class wind turbines begin to turn, and the Greek island of tillos will become the first island in the Mediterranean to rely entirely on wind and solar power. The sea horse-
A Greek island between Rhodes and Kos with a winter population of 400.
But in the summer, this figure reached 3,000 people, putting unbearable pressure on its run-down power supply.
This summer, technicians are finalizing tests on renewable alternative systems that will be fully rolled out later this year.
It will allow Tilos at high-
The technical batteries are charged by wind turbines and solar parks.
The European Commission says Tilos will become the first green island in the Mediterranean to be self-renewable.
The company plans to use the project as a blueprint for other EU small islands with limited grid connections to mainland China.
The European Union has largely funded the project, providing 11 million euros ($12. 5 million)
A total of 13. 7 million-euro ($15. 7 million)cost.
"The innovation and funding for this project comes from the battery --
Energy storage-
This is innovation, "said aliros aliiferis, project manager.
"The energy generated by wind turbines and photovoltaic power generation will be stored in batteries in order to use this energy for the grid when needed.
"The battery stores electricity in sunny and windy conditions, releasing power during periods of high demand and low output --
For example, in the night and tourist season
Power the grid. Named TILOS —
Technological innovation of local Scale Optimization Integration of battery energy storage
The project uses a prototype battery system that can increase the storage of excess energy before it is needed.
In order to work, it needs a overhauled electrical network of smart meters installed in homes and businesses to calculate the time of peak demand.
Currently, Tilos receives energy from underwater cables from Kos to Nisiros Island and Tilos.
This caused an unstable power outage.
The service of electrical appliances is often interrupted, forcing many enterprises to rely on diesel generators.
Although there are no other Greek islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, Tilos-a 14-
Hourly ferry ride from mainland China
This is a quiet resort with an average of 13,000 visitors per year.
Known as Green Island, it is popular with hikers and birdwatchers and is now mostly a protected nature reserve.
Mayor Maria Kammas sees the green energy system as the natural next step on the island.
"For years, Tilos has been planning a course dedicated to protecting the environment," she said . ".
"We are looking for visitors --
Tourists-
People will visit our islands and they love the environment and want to protect the environment and nature as they have given us.
Tourism is the main source of income for the island.
However, businesses have been plagued by long periods of power outages, hotels have no air conditioning, restaurants have no lights and electricity, forcing them to discard food from warm refrigerators.
Hotel owner Sevasti Delaporta has been following the project closely since two years ago.
The Tilos residents initially had questions about the idea, but even during the peak of the summer, the test ran smoothly.
The grid is expected to be fully operational in a few months.
"I am very optimistic about this project because as a business, there is no negative impact for the guests of the hotel I operate," Delaporta said . ".
"People are happy with the service as there is no problem with their fridge and there is no problem with the air conditioning. They are happy.
Sunny days are long, with an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius (
91 degrees Fahrenheit)
In the summer, tourists spend the morning on the beach and take a nap in the afternoon.
In the evening, the island became active when business was open and residents and tourists flocked to bars and cafes.
Eva Lemel has visited the island every year for more than 20 years.
Tilos's green policy stands out in Greece, she said, from the Netherlands, which has one of the world's highest environmental standards.
"I am also proud of what they are doing now with renewable energy," she said . ".
"I think it would be good for the island not to rely on other islands.