Richard Branson’s Necker Island and Alcatraz are just the tip of the iceberg: On Islands Renewable Energy is up to 75% Less Expensive than Diesel
Elevated electricity costs are a problem known all too well by private island owners, due to the high costs involved in transporting fuel. But what if there was a way to save costs whilst also making a positive impact on the environment and all-round ambience on your island? THEnergy claims to have found a solution…
Renewable Energy on Islands
Normally, smaller islands are powered by diesel-generators that pollute the air and are very noisy. Wind and solar energy can reduce direct air pollution and the noise level to a large extent. In addition, islands are particularly exposed to the consequences of global warming and many island communities strive to serve as an example in the fight against global warming.
It is no surprise, therefore, that renewable energy applications are of special interest for islands. A huge number of pilot projects for both wind and solar power plants, have already been realized – amongst many others a PV-diesel hybrid installation on the Alcatraz prison island and a PV-Wind-Diesel hybrid plant on Richard Branson’s private Necker Island. In comparison to the total untapped potential this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, however.
Untapped Potential
According to Dr. Thomas Hillig, founder of THEnergy, however, many advantages of renewable energy have not yet been fully communicated. There is a significant demand for information about renewable topics which so far has simply not been met. THEnergy hopes to change that.
“The objective of THEnergy is to accelerate the application of renewable energy on islands by providing missing information,” points out Dr. Hillig. One of the key elements of the Renewables & Islands platform is a plant database for wind and solar systems on islands.
“Successful examples of the same application often accelerate the spread of a technology. They eliminate existing doubts to a large extent,” explains Hillig. By using the platform, island communities, tourism entities or private island owners can learn about renewable energy players that are already experienced in this field.
75% Savings on Energy Costs
The platform also collects background information such as technical overviews and business models. Regularly, reports and white papers will be
published. Finally, a blog allows for discussions among experts and players that are new to the field.
According to Hillig, the best business case can be observed for hybrid power plants. These are solar or wind power systems that are combined with or integrated into existing diesel power plants. On islands, wind and solar energy are often more than 75% less expensive than electricity from diesel, especially in remote areas where transportation accounts for a large share of the total diesel cost.
Private Island News promises to bring you more information about this interesting project as it arises. Stay tuned to www.privateislandnews.com for more details.