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How Much Energy Efficient are Renewable Energy Sources Cooperatives’ Initiatives?

Author

Listed:
  • Nikolaos Sifakis

    (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab, School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Kounoupidiana Campus, 73100 Chania, Greece)

  • Tryfon Daras

    (School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Kounoupidiana Campus, 73100 Chania, Greece)

  • Theocharis Tsoutsos

    (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab, School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Kounoupidiana Campus, 73100 Chania, Greece)

Abstract

In this paper is provided a systematic, in-depth, behavioral analysis of renewable energy sources cooperatives’ members. The analysis proved that in, on hand, there was a noticeable difference in the portion of affection of each proposed intervention on the actual energy consumption, which may be to even ten times more in some cases, and on the other hand, the difference in energy consumption between the analyzed groups was noticeable as well. So, implementing energy efficiency interventions of various types, such as technical support, special tariffs, energy generation schemes, and smart meters, seems to lead to substantial energy reductions to even more than 10%, cumulatively, and reduces the environmental footprint. Additionally, the majority of energy efficiency interventions applied by the renewable energy sources cooperatives are proved to be effective in achieving their primary goal, sensitizing members, and leading them to a more efficient energy consumption behavior (“greener”). The results of the analysis showed that each proposed intervention had played a different but nonetheless significant role in the diminishing of the energy consumption of the members and that there was a noticeable difference in energy consumption between the analyzed groups. The results of the analysis demonstrated more than 22 GWh totally in green consumption, and almost 4500 tons of CO 2 saved.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikolaos Sifakis & Tryfon Daras & Theocharis Tsoutsos, 2020. "How Much Energy Efficient are Renewable Energy Sources Cooperatives’ Initiatives?," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:5:p:1136-:d:327699
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    References listed on IDEAS

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