Replacing diesel generators with hybrid renewable power plants: Giannutri Smart Island project

Electricity generation in small remote island is generally performed using diesel generators, leading to high energy cost and significant local pollution; the integration of renewable energy sources in such small networks is hindered by stability and reliability issues, as well as environmental constraints. The paper deals with the replacement of diesel generation in Giannutri (a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea), with an hybrid power plant, including a photovoltaic power plant and a multi-technology (lithium battery / hydrogen) energy storage system. Steady state as well as transient simulations have been carried out, in order to verify network reliability and stability. Environmental impact assessment and authorization issues are also considered, evidencing the significant advantages both in terms of energy cost and pollution.