Modeling Water–Energy Autonomy on Remote Islands Through Hybrid RES, Pumped Hydro, and Hydrogen Storage Considering Low-Wind Conditions

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Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the technical performance and resilience of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES), designed to achieve water and energy autonomy on a Skyros Island, Greece. The system integrates renewable energy sources with multiple storage technologies. A high-resolution, 30-min simulation was developed, incorporating 10 years of historical weather data to model the operation of an HRES, which consists of wind turbines, photovoltaics, pumped hydro storage, and green hydrogen production. Reverse osmosis was used for desalination, and extended low-wind conditions were simulated to assess system resilience. Results indicate that the proposed system is, in fact, capable of meeting 89% of the annual energy demand and 99.99% of freshwater requirements by means of desalination. Wind power accounted for 53% of the total energy production, photovoltaics 2%, while pumped hydro and hydrogen storage contributed 17% and 6%, respectively. During artificially imposed windless periods, short-term deficits were addressed by the use of pumped hydro, while hydrogen ensured supply continuity in the final days, thereby demonstrating their complementary function. In this resilience stress-test, the system remained operational for 10 days during an artificial windless period, demonstrating the critical role of hybrid storage. The findings indicate that a combination of renewable energy with diversified storage and water management strategies can provide a reliable and self-sufficient water–energy nexus for remote islands. Finally, the novelty of this research work lies in the statistical analysis of calm-wind events and the development of the corresponding power-law relationship, conducted under the framework of the 30-min simulation.
Funding Information
  • Research Committee, National Technical University of Athens

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