Soft energy sources in regional energy systems: The case of the Cyclades

We evaluate the potential penetration of renewable energy sources in the region of the Cyclades, which is a complex of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. The Cyclades area has a significant endogenous potential of wind, solar and geothermal energy. Future energy demand is forecast for two paths. RESOM, a linear programming regional energy optimization model, has been adapted to represent the regional energy system. The results of four scenario runs provide insight on the impact of renewable energy sources.