A renewable energy mix to supply small islands. A comparative study applied to Balearic Islands and Fiji

Abstract

Power plants supplied by renewables are expanding around the world, increasing the sustainability of the energy sector. In this context, small islands are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. However, this paper shows that the same problem can be found also in small islands belonging to developed countries. To increase the energy sustainability of small islands, the authors assembled a simplified mathematical approach to evaluate the potential electricity production, exploiting the local available energy sources: solar, wind and sea wave. The mathematical model requires few information in input, such as climatic data about the local energy sources and technical features on the selected technologies. Commercial technologies have been chosen for the utilization of solar and wind sources. The authors consider also sea wave, a promising renewable energy source especially for small islands. Since sea wave has not been successfully exploited around the world, the authors suggest an innovative technology, under development at the laboratory of University of Palermo. This innovative device is based on linear generators and floating buoys. The proposed energy mix can be applied to several small islands spread worldwide. With this regard, the paper analyses the Balearic Islands and Fiji, which are two archipelagos, with several differences, if economy and population statistics are considered. A strong energy dependence on fossil fuels affects both the case studies. A preliminary sizing of a renewable energy mix is reported for both archipelagos, using the mathematical model proposed by authors. The environmental benefits are estimated, considering the avoided CO2 emissions as indicator. An economic analysis is finally performed.