The ongoing energy crisis, intensified by the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, economic challenges, social issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate emergency, has raised significant concerns about the future of energy. In Europe, transitioning to renewable energy sources is critical for addressing the climate crisis, with energy communities playing a pivotal role. Despite Greece’s abundant natural resources, the exploitation of green energy remains limited, resulting in energy insecurity and high costs. This paper explores the promotion of innovative sustainability and the social economy on Aegina Island, Greece, through the establishment of an energy community in collaboration with the DAFNI Network. DAFNI, a network of sustainable Greek islands, will provide essential expertise and support for project implementation. The proposed "Aegina Citizens’ Energy Community" aims to generate electricity from photovoltaic systems to meet its members’ energy needs. Drawing on a comprehensive review of literature on energy communities and best practices across Europe, this paper analyzes information on energy insecurity and proposes a sustainable energy framework tailored to the island’s specific needs. The implications for enhancing energy autonomy and fostering socio-economic resilience on Aegina are discussed, offering a replicable model for other island regions with similar characteristics.

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Enhancing Innovative Sustainability and Social Economy on Aegina Island, Greece

  • Konstantina F. Chatzina,
  • Nikolaos Ch. Marinos

摘要

The ongoing energy crisis, intensified by the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, economic challenges, social issues, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate emergency, has raised significant concerns about the future of energy. In Europe, transitioning to renewable energy sources is critical for addressing the climate crisis, with energy communities playing a pivotal role. Despite Greece’s abundant natural resources, the exploitation of green energy remains limited, resulting in energy insecurity and high costs. This paper explores the promotion of innovative sustainability and the social economy on Aegina Island, Greece, through the establishment of an energy community in collaboration with the DAFNI Network. DAFNI, a network of sustainable Greek islands, will provide essential expertise and support for project implementation. The proposed "Aegina Citizens’ Energy Community" aims to generate electricity from photovoltaic systems to meet its members’ energy needs. Drawing on a comprehensive review of literature on energy communities and best practices across Europe, this paper analyzes information on energy insecurity and proposes a sustainable energy framework tailored to the island’s specific needs. The implications for enhancing energy autonomy and fostering socio-economic resilience on Aegina are discussed, offering a replicable model for other island regions with similar characteristics.