Location: Agios Efstratios, Greece

Project year: 2023-2024

A groundbreaking project has successfully transformed the small Greek island of Agios Efstratios (Ai Stratis) into a model for renewable energy independence. By 2024, the island achieved an impressive renewable energy penetration rate of over 85%, with a goal of reaching 100%, setting a precedent for other communities aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Project Scope

The project, officially titled "Hybrid System for the Production of Electricity & Heat from RES on Agios Efstratios," included the installation of:

• A wind turbine
• A photovoltaic station
• Energy storage batteries
• An advanced energy management system
• A district heating network utilizing surplus renewable energy

Dalsia was selected by TERNA ENERGY SA as the supplier of the District Heating Substations and SCADA system, with the contract signed in January 2023. As part of its role, Dalsia was responsible for:

• Design, engineering, manufacturing, and quality control of the District Heating Substations
• Supervision of commissioning and site acceptance tests
• Delivery, packaging, transportation, and insurance
• Technical documentation and training for end users
• Real-time monitoring and control through the SiDiO SCADA system, developed by Dalsia

Key Outcomes & Benefits

✔ Renewable Energy Optimization: The system maximizes the use of RES, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
✔ CO₂ Emissions Reduction: The replacement of diesel-based power and wood-fired stoves with RES technologies results in cleaner air and a lower environmental impact.
✔ Smart Energy Management: The advanced control system optimizes energy use, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
✔ Reliable & Cost-Effective Heating: The tele-heating system provides efficient, maintenance-free heating and domestic hot water, reducing annual energy costs for residents.
✔ Research & Innovation Hub: The project has attracted researchers and institutions interested in studying its performance, paving the way for future R&D initiatives.
✔ Scalability & Replicability: The project serves as a model for other communities aiming for energy independence.
✔ Connection to the National Grid: In mid-2024, the system was successfully integrated into Greece’s national electricity network, marking a major milestone in Agios Efstratios’s journey toward complete energy self-sufficiency.

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 7: Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy
SDG 9: Development of resilient infrastructure and innovation in sustainable energy
SDG 11: Promotion of inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban environments
SDG 12: Encouragement of responsible consumption and production patterns

A Model for the Future

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, this project stands as a landmark demonstration of how renewable energy can power entire communities. The success of Agios Efstratios has already inspired other regions to explore similar initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.