Renewable-Based Self-sustainable Operation of Isolated Islands

Abstract

Isolated regions require small to medium-size independent electrical grids to cover the energy needs of their populations. The development of renewable-source-based power generation systems is key to make these regions less dependent on external fossil fuels. At the same time they are the best places to assess the behaviour and reliability of renewable-based systems and their possible scale-up. This chapter focuses on the study of a hybrid wind-pumped hydro generation system designed to provide electricity to the entire population of the island of El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain), with the initial aim of covering 100 % of its energy needs, including water desalination processes. The involvement and support of national and international governmental organizations and the welcome of the local population were key in the promotion of the project. After its approval, civil engineering works are crucial in the development of a project of such magnitude. In a more general context, this chapter also dedicates a section to describe the basics in the use of simulation and optimisation algorithms as a tool to help on the decision-making process for the design and selection of power plants and their components.