Noninterconnected Island Systems: The Greek Case

Abstract

The Greek NIIPS case is unique because of their multitude, varying sizes, and high RES potential. HEDNO is responsible for the management and operation of the respective power systems, as well as for the NIIPS electricity market; it faces challenges to achieve high RES penetration, low conventional generation cost, and high-quality service to network users. Since the interconnection of the remote islands to the mainland is not always cost effective, HEDNO is currently developing the necessary infrastructure to monitor and control the operation of all NIIPSs, on the generation and network side, in line with the provisions of the regulatory framework currently in place. This infrastructure will permit optimal generation management, leading to maximum RES exploitation, as well as objectivity and transparency in operation of the market. Ambitious demonstration projects aiming at very high RES penetration levels (smart islands) are being advanced, involving the application of centralized storage facilities and smart management systems, to showcase technologies, test technical solutions, develop regulatory models, and gain operational experience to transfer to the management of the NIIPS systems.