Clean energy for EU islands- Greek energy islands/ Gr-eco islands turning into models of green and sustainable development

Abstract

Greece is in the process of implementing a strategic plan to upgrade everyday life through the expansion of the use of renewable energy sources, considering both national and European legislation. It is worth noting that the national legislative process is improving and laws are being passed to support the use of renewable energy. The country's stance towards renewable sources makes her a leader in the energy transition in the Mediterranean zone. Autonomous and resilient energy systems are designed to minimize dependence on the mainland grid and on fossil fuels. The abovementioned energy systems integrate renewable sources—mostly solar, wind, and hydropower—with innovative storage technologies, in order to create self-sufficient and environmentally responsible infrastructures. Main goal is to transform islands into models of sustainability and enclose several interconnected initiatives, such as the expansion of renewable energy production, the immersion of digital and energy-efficient infrastructures, sustainable management of natural resources. It is important to expand and promote the idea of e-mobility, primarily by providing economic motives, trying to turn into green philosophy great pillars such as agriculture and tourism, main economic pillars of the country. These actions should be aligned with targeted interventions by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in cooperation with other governmental bodies, under the broader framework of Greece’s current energy policy. Greece comprises more than 6,000 islands, of which 227 are inhabited, accounting for approximately 15% of the national population. While many islands are now interconnected to the mainland grid, others operate as autonomous systems. According to the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (2021–2030), Greece aims to achieve a 35% share of renewables in gross final energy consumption by 2030, with targets of 60% for electricity, 42.5% for heating and cooling, and 19% for transport.