Alternative energy scenarios for small islands: A case study from Salina Island (Aeolian Islands, Southern Italy)

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of seven main islands situated in the Tyrrhenian sea (Sicily Italy).They represent a suitable scenario for the development of a sustainable energy production system, thatcould easily be reproduced on other Mediterranean Islands. The fact that these islands depend on themainland for energy supplies and the high cost of bringing fuel in tanker boats are factors that shouldstrongly encourage the use of renewable energy source technologies.Taking into account the European Commission guidelines, this paper sets out to evaluate potentialenergy production using photovoltaic and small scale wind power, in order to verify their contribution tooverall estimated energy requirements. The estimate of energy productivity was preceded by a studyconcerning the management measures in force in the Aeolian Islands in order to formulate technicalhypotheses in accordance with natural and cultural values protection. The homogeneity of climaticconditions on the seven islands and the similarity of their economies allowed to focus the analysis onthe island of Salina. In this way, a whole year’s productivity was calculated, with particular attention tothe period June e September, when the arrival of tourists brings about a surge in energy consumption.