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How to Decarbonize Greece by Comparing Wind and PV Energy: A Land Eligibility Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Qilin Wang

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK)

  • Evangelia Gontikaki

    (Institute of Geoenergy, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, 73100 Chania, Greece)

  • Peter Stenzel

    (Cologne Institute for Renewable Energy (CIRE), Faculty of Process Engineering, Energy and Mechanical Systems, TH Köln, Betzdorfer Str. 2, 50679 Köln, Germany)

  • Vasilis Louca

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK)

  • Frithjof C. Küpper

    (School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, Scotland, UK
    Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, UK
    Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA)

  • Martin Spiller

    (ISATEC GmbH, Rathausstraße 10, 52072 Aachen, Germany)

Abstract

To achieve sustainable development, the energy transition from lignite burning to renewable energy resources for electric power generation is essential for Greece. Wind and solar energy have emerged as significant sources in this transition. Surprisingly, numerous studies have examined the potential for onshore wind based on land eligibility, while few studies on open-field photovoltaic (PV) installations have been conducted. Therefore, based on the Specific Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development for Renewable Energy Sources (SFSPSD-RES), along with insights from previous relevant studies, this work conducts a land eligibility analysis of onshore wind and open-field PV installations in Greece using the software Geospatial Land Availability for Energy Systems (GLAES 1.2.1) and ArcGIS 10.2. Additionally, through an in-depth exploration of wind and solar PV energy potential in decommissioned lignite mines integrated with wind power density (WPD) and global horizontal irradiation (GHI) maps, this study compares the suitability of wind versus solar as energy sources for the decarbonization of Greece. Overall, despite the greater spatial eligibility for onshore wind turbines compared to open-field PV power plants, the relatively lower wind energy potential and operational limitations of wind turbines lead to the study’s conclusion that solar energy (PV) is more suitable for the decarbonization of Greece.

Suggested Citation

  • Qilin Wang & Evangelia Gontikaki & Peter Stenzel & Vasilis Louca & Frithjof C. Küpper & Martin Spiller, 2024. "How to Decarbonize Greece by Comparing Wind and PV Energy: A Land Eligibility Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-26, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:3:p:567-:d:1325615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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