Smart renewable generation for an islanded system. Technical and economic issues of future scenarios

The subject addressed in this paper is the analytical study of the transition of an energy generation system for a real MV/LV distribution system from one that is “fuel-based” to a distributed and smart “renewables-based” system. The paper outlines both the technical and the economic issues related to such a transition from one type of system to the other. The study is carried out for a real islanded network located in the Island of Pantelleria (Mediterranean Sea). The results obtained are presented and discussed, putting into evidence the technical, environmental and economic benefits of using smart technologies and renewable energy sources.

► We study the smart renewable electricity generation for an islanded power system. ► The case study is the Island of Pantelleria (Mediterranean Sea). ► We identify the renewable energy sources and hypothesise the new energetic scenario. ► We study the system’s technical performance in both the current and the new scenario. ► We perform a cost–benefit analysis related to the transition to the new scenario.