Good Practice - Project
Chalki, the first eco-island model in Greece
A Greek government pilot project to transform Greek islands into models of clean energy and green economy implementation.
Summary
Launched in 2021, the 'Chalki, first GR-Eco Island' initiative is a Greek government pilot to transform Greek islands into models of clean energy and green economy implementation. Coordinated by the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy and involving Greek and French partners, the project focuses on solar power, carbon reduction, and energy self-sufficiency.
It also enhances healthcare, education, and mobility while promoting sustainable water and waste management, and green tourism. Chalki's success is setting a precedent for other Greek islands in renewable energy and sustainable growth.
Results
The groundbreaking Eco-island initiative has delivered significant positive outcomes in the territory and demonstrated that it could be a model for replication in other islands. Local residents and stakeholders actively participate in energy production and consumption, leading to tangible advantages for both households and businesses.
ChalkiON, a pioneering energy community, stands out as the first to own and operate a photovoltaic station on a non-interconnected Greek island, in collaboration with the local authority. Virtual net metering is employed to allow ChalkiON members to balance the energy generated by the polar park with their actual electricity consumption.
Through an analysis of electricity bills from Chalki's residents, it was determined that the island's annual energy requirement averaged around 1 700 MWh. This validates the installation of the 1 MW PV park, positioning Chalki as Greece's first energy-independent island.
Notably, the 1 MW photovoltaic park owned by the energy community has led to a 55% reduction in electricity bills for the 250 residents, businesses, and the municipality of Chalki. This translates to annual savings ranging from 180 000 to 250 000 EUR and a reduction in CO2 emissions by 1 800 tons annually.
Promoter
- Municipality of Chalki island & energy community of Chalki 'Chalkion'
- Ministry of environment and energy of South Aegean region
- French embassy in Greece
- Companies including Vinci – Omexom, Akuo energy Greece, Singelidis group automotive, Vodafone telecommunication, Ald automotive
Funding
The National Government of Greece and private companies funding the Energy Community of Chalki 'ChalkiON'
Resources
06. rpso-good-practices-eco-island-greece (1).pdf
(PDF – 408.18 KB)
Context
In 2021, the Greek government launched the ‘GR-eco islands’ national initiative, aiming to transform Greek islands into models of green economy, energy autonomy, digital innovation, and eco-mobility. Chalki, an island of 250 inhabitants, located in the Dodekanese, in southeastern Aegan Sea, was selected as the pioneering site.
The economic activity of the island mainly relies on agriculture and tourism. Facing the challenges of demographic change, economic decline, lack of infrastructure and access to services, the introduction of renewable energy emerged as a potential solution, offering economic benefits and dependency to fuel price fluctuations.
Objectives
The overarching objective of the project is to achieve the comprehensive development of the island as an eco-model by enhancing well-being, social economy and community empowerment.
The project established a solar-powered energy community, based on social economy and citizen participation principles, to reduce the island’s carbon footprint and energy costs for residents and local businesses.
Moreover, the introduction of new technologies such as 5G and infrastructures seeks to enhance the overall quality of life, offering improved access to healthcare, education, and mobility.
Additionally, the initiative aimed to ensure more sustainable water and waste management, while promoting the development of green tourism and agriculture.
Activities, key actors, and timeline
Greek and French companies partnered under the coordination of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy to carry out various activities and create the first eco-island in Greece.
On 19 May 2021, the 'ChalkiON' energy community was established, deploying photovoltaic systems that produce green energy which meets the island's energy needs. This energy autonomy allows for local energy production and consumption with any surplus energy being set to the grid to earn energy credits through the process of virtual net metering.
In addition, the municipal building was upgraded by integrating photovoltaic tiles on the roof. A total of six electric vehicles and charging stations, an electric boat, and a smart, public lighting system were supported and implemented through the initiative.
Moreover, the project integrated innovative telecommunications services such as 5G and new technologies to enable more efficient services such as telemedicine and e-learning.
Success factors/Lessons learnt
The journey towards renewable energy sources adoption in islands is a multifaceted societal challenge that calls for a tailored, local approach rather than centralised policies. Active community involvement and collaboration with local governmental bodies are key to success.
Chalki stands as a compelling testament to the transformative power of solar energy in bringing renewable energy solutions to isolated communities. This endeavour not only offers cost-saving benefits, but also facilitates remote electrification, enhances energy security, and reduces dependency on geopolitical factors.
A significant milestone was achieved in July 2021 when a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by all relevant agencies, under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, underscoring the tangible impact and potential for scaling up this innovative model. With the success of Chalki as a blueprint, similar initiatives are set to be launched on 40 Greek islands.
Contact Information
Mr. Roussakis Vasilios, Deputy Mayor of Chalki: vasillys@hotmail.com