Integration of transport and energy sectors in 100% renewable island communities

In order to design a self-sufficient and sustainable island, integration of renewable energy sources alongside with energy efficiency measures is needed, with attention to be given to energy storage. In energy planning of small island energy system integration of other systems, like transportation, requires particular care and precision due to lack of resources and space restrictions. In this paper, integration of electric vehicles as energy storage for the production of electricity from renewable energy sources in island system is examined. Present energy supply on Croatian islands relies on fossil fuels and electricity from the mainland. This paper shows how transport and electricity needs can be accommodated through the integration of energy flows to help communities to achieve energy self-sufficiency and how to plan this integration on the level of island municipalities. In order to demonstrate the method, case study of The Island of Korcula is presented. Through scenario approach, using energy planning software, case study examines how integration of renewable energy sources and increase in penetration of electric vehicles to islands transport sector helps integration of transport and energy production sectors in order to make a 100% energy self-sufficient island. By using smart charging integration in a combination with the installed supply capacities equal to 30 MW of solar panels and 22 MW of wind turbines, total export could be reduced by 25% and total import by 36%.