ENERGY ASSETS IN AN UNDER-DEVELOPED MOUNTAIN REGION

Obiettivo

A consequence of under-development in this region is, of course, rather low energy consumption. Furthermore, apart from the considerable use of timber for domestic heating, the local energy potential remains largely under-exploited. In this context, the strong dependence on outside energy sources represents a real obstacle to the creation of new socio-economic activity, given the relatively high cost of electricity and liquid fuels as well as poor lines of supply. For this reason, an energy plan was drawn up integrating the human, economic and environmental characteristics of Eurytania. The principle objective was to encourage and support economic development in the region by proposing a suitable energy infrastructure. Better energy management should facilitate an improvement in the region's under employed economic potential by developing tourism, industrial infrastructure and the exploitation of primary resources such as agriculture, cattle breeding and mining.
* DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ENERGY RESOURCES
The study revealed the considerable significance of potential regional renewable energy sources, in particular biomass and hydro-power. The plan provided for a series of specific investments. The abundance of rivers and streams, springs and waterfalls provides the ideal prerequisites for the installation of hydro-electricity stations (two are already in operation). Timber which is present in large quantities, represents the second source of energy in the region.
Through appropriate investment, the exploitation of these local resources could meet the increase in energy demand in Eurytania, an increase which goes hand in hand with economic development.
According to estimates, the plan would, in this way, increase energy independance in the region by approximately 75% through the exploitation of timber as well as hydro-electrical wind and solar energy.
* IMPROVING TRANSPORT AND SUPPLIES
Apart from the need to improve supply based on existing energy sources, the plan also underlines the need to rethink the whole question of trasnport infrastructure. There is a risk that the growth of economic activity in the region could cause a complete clogging of the road network if alternative measures are not taken. Promoting other means of transport (rail, river etc.) would guarantee not only the free flow of traffic but also facilitate the use of local energy sources instead of imported oil.
To avoid the negative effects of development on the remarkable natural environment of Eurytania, the plan attaches very particular importance to its preservation.
* GENERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As a result of decreased energy costs, better supplies and more rational consumption new economic activity could be developed, particularly in the area of light industry, tourism, agriculture and energy. According to estimates, the application of all these propositions would have a considerable beneficial effect on local employment.
By directing the attention of investors towards the more promising sectors, the plan offers fruitful prospects for rapid regional development.
Energy planning can therefore mobilize the regional economy by stimulating demand and developing employment.
The energy policies recommended revolve around three principle factors:
* more national and effective use of energy;
* exploitation of local energy sources by emphasizing electricity production from hydraulic resources as well as from fuels such as wood.
* sensitizing the population to regional energy difficulties and setting up an organisational structure at local government level. In the initial phase it was possible to make a precise assessment of the energy and economic situation by collecting information already published or collected through surveys. Both a sample of the population and all the industrial enterprises were consulted for this purpose
This analysis subsequently facilitated an in-depth examination of the possible future prospects for Eurytania, including:
* a study of possibilities for exploiting local energy resources;
* identifying investment possibilities centred on the type of energy to be promoted in the region.
This research provided the basis for designing an energy plan for Eurytania and developing projections relating to its socio-economic structure.
Moreover, formulating new policies necessitated taking into account the needs and aspirations as well as gaining the approval of the local socio-economic partners. For this reason, the entire planning process was carried out within the framework of permanent dialogue with the local population.

Programma(i)

ENG-THERMIE 1 - Programme (EEC) for the promotion of energy technology in Europe (THERMIE), 1990-1994

Argomento(i)

Data not available

Invito a presentare proposte

Data not available

Meccanismo di finanziamento

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinatore

LDK CONSULTANTS SA

Contributo UE

Nessun dato

Indirizzo

RUE TIANDAFYLLOU 7
11361 Athens
Grecia

Costo totale