INCREASED WIND ENERGY EXPLOITATION VIA INTERCONNECTION OF AEGEAN ISLANDS TO THE MAINLAND GRID

In this paper the interconnection of Aegean Sea islands to the mainland grid of Greece is evaluated, as an alternative to their current autonomous operation, fed by local oil-fired power stations. Interconnection of the islands increases substantially the potential for exploitation of their favourable wind resources. The paper presents results of a preliminary feasibility analysis, which evaluates alternative interconnection technologies and calculates the fundamental economics of each solution over a 25-year evaluation period.