Alternative scenarios of the utilisation of renewable energy sources in small prefectures: a case study in Lasithi Prefecture, Greece

The sector of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) is growing very fast, with many innovations and applications becoming a reality. The continuous reduction of natural resources has forced all policymakers to turn to alternative energy sources. The total energy (oil and electricity consumption) consumed in the prefecture of Lasithi during the years 1997-2002 in correlation with the RES exploitation potential in the prefecture is the base of an analysis where RES methodologies are exploited to satisfy part of the prefecture's energy needs. Solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and biomass are examined and a case study is performed for Lasithi that involves an application of specific mathematical tools leading to a set of alternative scenarios. The objective of this work is the integration of environmentally friendly processes for the satisfaction of the energy needs of Lasithi Prefecture, paying attention at the same time to the financial viability of these systems.