A Multi-Criteria Framework for an Isolated Electricity System Design with Renewable Energy Sources in the Context of Distributed Generation: The Case Study of Lesvos Island, Greece

Abstract

In this paper, an integrated framework for the design of an electricity supply system for an isolated grid, promoting renewable energy sources (RES) in the context of distributed generation (DG) is developed. To this end, eight (8) alternative scenarios are developed with different percentage of RES penetration and several evaluation criteria considered that included economic, environmental, technical, social, and legislative issues. The scenarios are comparatively evaluated by means of the weighted summation method where the relevant criteria weights are determined through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Special attention is given in the optimal placement of RES facilities using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the way to model the criteria via related environmental software.