Agios Efstratios becomes the first Greek island to get all its electricity from renewables

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🗞️ Driving the news: The Greek island of Agios Efstratios has transformed its electricity supply, moving from complete reliance on fossil fuels to generating 91% of its electricity from renewable sources in just ten months
• The EU-funded Ai Stratis – Green Island project combines wind, solar power, battery storage and intelligent energy management, making the island a pioneering example of local energy independence.

🔭 The context: Home to around 250 residents, Agios Efstratios operates independently of Greece’s mainland electricity grid
• Its hybrid system includes a 900-kW wind turbine, a 225-kW solar farm and battery storage
• Excess renewable electricity can also be converted into thermal energy and stored in 500 cubic metres of hot water, helping meet heating needs during winter
• The €7.23 million project received 85% of its funding from the European Union’s Cohesion Policy, with the remainder coming from Greek national funds

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The project avoids approximately 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually while reducing dependence on fossil fuels
• It demonstrates how combining renewable generation, storage and energy management can help isolated communities decarbonise electricity and heating

⏭️ What’s next: Agios Efstratios could provide a blueprint for other Greek islands and remote communities seeking greater energy independence
• Islands including Tilos, Ikaria and Astypalea are also pursuing renewable energy solutions, although replicating the model will require adapting infrastructure, investment and regulations to local conditions

💬 One quote: “The people in Agios Stratios do not care anymore about oil markets. They don't care about what happens in the Strait of Hormuz, because it doesn't affect them,” - Dimitrios Kardomateas, CEO of the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Savings

📈 One stat: 91% — the share of Agios Efstratios’s electricity now generated from renewable sources, following its transition away from complete fossil-fuel dependence

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