Regional renewable energy autonomy

Energy generation in remote regions is often costly due to inefficient infrastructure and/or the associated inefficiencies of energy conversion and transport. These high energy costs facilitate the incorporation of relatively more expensive, but environmentally friendlier energy technologies. In this way, remote regions can constitute poles of attraction of new independent and environmentally-friendly energy systems and storage technologies (such as batteries and electric vehicles), while they can also play an important role in the development of the wider region.

I am particularly interested in the 100% renewable-energy independence of energy-islands, in the sense of both real geographical islands and remote communities on the mainland with poor or no grid connection.

This work involves the evaluation of the economic viability and environmental impact of hybrid renewable plants for energy independence from fossil fuels for social and environmental benefits. The research is realized with dynamic simulations using hourly data of energy resource availability, accounting for extreme scenarios and storage technologies (e.g., thermal, electrical and hydrogen storage).