Analyzing the Limitations of Vast Wind Energy Contribution in Remote Island Networks of the Aegean Sea Archipelagos

Abstract The Aegean Archipelagos is an island region possessing excellent wind potential, with areas where the long-term average wind speed even exceeds 9m/s. Despite the excellent wind and solar potential of the area, most of the inhabited islands cover their electricity needs by utilizing thermal power stations (mainly diesel or heavy oil based units). In this context, wind power contribution is limited due to the local grid stability constraints, with zero new wind parks installed across the Aegean Archipelago during the last years. To this end, and in an effort to establish the "Green Island" electrification model for the numerous remote islands of Europe, a theoretical model is currently presented for estimating wind energy curtailments of existing and new wind parks. The model is then applied to an existing wind park of 3.6MW, operated in the island of Kos, and results obtained are compared with actual wind energy curtailments faced during a representative year of operation.