Are Islands a good location for new energy technologies?

However, islands are found to be excellent locations for pilot projects on new energy technologies due to their inherent advantages of small size and vertical integration of local power companies. Furthermore, strong communities imply that it is easier to engage with end consumers when promoting new concepts for electricity supply. 1. Introduction

Could distributed energy resources boost the deployment of renewables on islands?

Distributed energy resources – or small-scale energy resources that are usually situated near sites of electricity use, such as rooftop solar – could play an important role in boosting the deployment of renewables on islands, increasing the security, resilience and affordability of power systems while accelerating decarbonisation.

Are small island energy companies able to develop storage systems?

Small island energy companies do not typically have the research or engineering capability to internally assess the viability of storage projects. Small island power companies find it difficult to raise the required finance for implementation of storage systems. Project costs here can be very significant relative to the scale of the system.

Why do small islands need a new energy infrastructure?

Islands – including those that make up the group known as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – also need to upgrade their energy infrastructure so that it is resilient to higher temperatures, more frequent natural disasters and flooding related to rising sea levels.

Will near-mainland islands provide a significant export of RES-electricity?

Thus, in future, rather than importing electricity via interconnector, near-mainland islands may provide significant exports of RES-Electricity whilst accessing balancing power from the mainland, perhaps in combination with in-island generation and storage.

How is energy produced on islands?

Most energy on islands is currently produced by diesel power generation, which is both costly, finite, and has relatively high carbon emissions. As a result, the situation will be forced to change in the medium term. Many different policies have been implemented and further measures are proposed to improve the situation.