Agios Efstratios achieves 91% renewable electricity usage

The Greek island of Agios Efstratios, also known as Ai Stratis, has transitioned from total dependence on fossil fuels to generating 91% of its electricity from renewable sources. Located in the northeast Aegean Sea, the volcanic island has a population of approximately 250 residents.

Financed by the European Union, the ‘Ai Stratis – Green Island’ project utilizes a hybrid system consisting of a 900 kW wind turbine, a 225 kW solar plant, and a battery storage system. An automated real-time energy management system coordinates the distribution.

Excess renewable energy is used for thermal heating. During winter, surplus production is stored in four hot water tanks with a total volume of 500 cubic meters. This system avoids approximately 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually and provides residents with low-cost heating without the need for traditional boilers.