Combating energy poverty in mountainous areas through energy-saving interventions: Insights from Metsovo, Greece

Katsoulakos, N

dc.contributor.author	Katsoulakos, N	en
dc.date.accessioned	2014-03-01T02:01:53Z
dc.date.available	2014-03-01T02:01:53Z
dc.date.issued	2011	en
dc.identifier.issn	02764741	en
dc.identifier.uri	https://dspace.lib.ntua.gr/xmlui/handle/123456789/29261
dc.subject	biomass	en
dc.subject	energy efficiency	en
dc.subject	Energy poverty	en
dc.subject	energy saving	en
dc.subject	Greece	en
dc.subject	renewable energy potential	en
dc.subject.other	alternative energy	en
dc.subject.other	biomass power	en
dc.subject.other	demand-side management	en
dc.subject.other	diesel	en
dc.subject.other	energy conservation	en
dc.subject.other	energy efficiency	en
dc.subject.other	energy planning	en
dc.subject.other	energy policy	en
dc.subject.other	heating	en
dc.subject.other	household energy	en
dc.subject.other	mountain region	en
dc.subject.other	renewable resource	en
dc.subject.other	sustainable development	en
dc.subject.other	Epirus	en
dc.subject.other	Greece	en
dc.subject.other	Ioannina	en
dc.subject.other	Metsovo	en
dc.title	Combating energy poverty in mountainous areas through energy-saving interventions: Insights from Metsovo, Greece	en
heal.type	journalArticle	en
heal.identifier.primary	10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-11-00049.1	en
heal.identifier.secondary	http://dx.doi.org/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-11-00049.1	en
heal.publicationDate	2011	en
heal.abstract	An increasing number of people find it difficult or even impossible to ensure adequate coverage of their energy needs. This situation, defined as energy poverty, is one of the results of the global energy crisis. Mountainous areas are especially vulnerable to energy poverty because their thermal energy needs are especially high and their economic environment is not a particularly prosperous one. We studied ways of reducing conventional fuel use and thus restricting the risk of energy poverty in Metsovo, a Greek mountain town. Given the special characteristics of energy consumption in the area and its energy potential, several alternative scenarios for saving energy in the town of Metsovo were constructed. The economic performance of the alternatives and their contribution to combating energy poverty were assessed. It was shown that utilizing locally produced biomass and applying energy-saving measures can bring households below the ""energy poverty limit."" Moreover, dependence on diesel oil and electricity for heating purposes can be reduced to a very low level by applying financially viable energy practices. The case of Metsovo shows that the establishment of an appropriate framework of sustainable energy policy in mountainous areas can bring about significant environmental, social, and financial benefits. The general objectives of the energy strategy of the European Union, as well as its efforts to combat energy poverty, can be significantly supported by the rich renewable energy potential of its mountainous areas, which is well illustrated by the example of Metsovo. © International Mountain Society.	en
heal.journalName	Mountain Research and Development	en
dc.identifier.doi	10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-11-00049.1	en
dc.identifier.volume	31	en
dc.identifier.issue	4	en
dc.identifier.spage	284	en
dc.identifier.epage	292	en