April 18th 2025
Small-Scale Renewable Energy: A Success Story from the Aegean
In response to the growing interest in small-scale Renewable Energy Sources (RES), we’d like to share our hands-on experience implementing these technologies at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, currently under development on the island of Lipsi. While there are many well-established RES technologies, this article focuses specifically on our application. (The targeted bureaucratic obstacles facing the Sanctuary will be addressed separately.)
The building that supports the Sanctuary’s operations is powered entirely by a 10 kw photovoltaic (PV) system, which we installed six years ago. This structure, formerly an abandoned industrial facility, is located in a remote area—7 km from the nearest village—with no access to grid electricity, municipal water, or other basic utilities. Situated in a small, north-facing canyon, the site receives limited sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in winter, with slightly extended exposure in summer. At first, these conditions made the installation of a PV system seem like a challenging, if not impossible, undertaking.
Despite these limitations, the 800-square-meter building now operates entirely on solar power, year-round. It accommodates up to 40 people in dormitories—researchers, interns, and staff from around the world—and houses fully equipped laboratories, refrigerators, lab freezers, a kitchen, and other high-energy-demand infrastructure. In the past two years, we’ve added a desalination unit, a wastewater treatment system, and a biomass heating unit, all of which also run on electricity generated by the photovoltaic system.
Remarkably, the total cost of the PV system was paid back in under three years.
Although we also acquired a small wind turbine, we ultimately didn’t need to install it. Ironically, one of the biggest challenges we face today is managing surplus energy stored in the batteries, which must be discharged regularly to extend their lifespan.
Similar RES systems have been implemented on Archipelagos’ research vessels, where diesel generators have been removed, and we’re steadily expanding this approach to all our facilities across the Aegean islands.
If such a modest RES system—installed in a remote, energy-challenged location—can achieve this level of self-sufficiency, imagine what could be possible in most Greek buildings, which benefit from far better sun exposure. By tailoring equipment and applying appropriate know-how, energy autonomy is within reach for homes, businesses, and energy communities alike. These small systems can deliver reliable productivity for decades. The environmental and financial benefits are obvious—but most importantly, they offer true sustainability and energy independence. It is perhaps for this very reason that such solutions are not actively promoted in Greece.
At Archipelagos Institute, we are happy to offer guidance based on our experiences, and we welcome anyone interested to visit and see the system in action. With modern technology as our ally, energy self-sufficiency is not only possible—it’s essential.
