Integration of RES Technologies in the Community of Agricultural University of Athens

Project facts

Project promoter:
Agricultural University of Athens
Project Number:
GR03-0005
Target groups
Students,
Researchers or scientists
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€821,072
Final project cost:
€749,504
From EEA Grants:
€ 637,078
The project is carried out in:
ATTIKΗ / ATTIKI

Description

The Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) is the third oldest university in Greece. Since 1920, it has been making valuable contributions to Greek agricultural and economic development by conducting basic and applied research in the agricultural sciences. The objective of the project is to demonstrate the application of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) into emblematic locations inside the University Campus. More specifically the following activities will be implemented: (a) Installation of Autonomous PV System and Biomass Burner in AUA Library, (b) Installation of PV Lighting Systems in AUA Athletic Center, (c) Installation of a solar-driven charging station for the support of one electrical mini-bus and ten electrical bicycles. The project is expected to achieve the increase of renewable energy consumption and to strengthen awareness and education in sustainability. The main beneficiaries of the project will be multitudinous groups in University Community. The general public will also be able to learn about RES through the dissemination material of the project.

Summary of project results

The Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) has a long experience in developing and implementing Renewable Energy Systems (RES), as it has been active in research in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency for more than 30 years. AUA has a strategic target to introduce sustainable technologies at the campus and reduce its carbon footprint. The use of green and sustainable technologies will improve the quality of life at the campus and upgrade the environmental sustainability performance of the university. The objective of the project is to support the sustainable development of AUA by embedded RES demonstration projects in its infrastructure. The project is expected to achieve the increase of renewable energy consumption and to strengthen awareness and education in the sustainable use of renewable energy, familiarizing students and staff with sustainable practices. The existence of such RE systems at the campus will sensitize young researchers to be engaged with RE, academically and professionally, and increase research output of the university. In total it is estimated that about 7500 people per year benefited from the project (students, staff and visitors). The installation of PV systems reduced the operation costs since 182.6 MWh/year of electricity (Target: 176 MWh/year) was produced and the biomass boiler offered 15 MWh/year of thermal energy (Target: 14 MWh/year). It is estimated that the exploitation of these RE systems reduced the AUA’s carbon footprint by 1850.40 tn CO2 per year (Target:1758 tn/year) . Also during the project, 4 events within the framework of bilateral relations were organized (Target:4). The electric vehicles will facilitate the access of students, staff and quests from the nearest metro station to AUA, with zero CO2 emissions since the electric vehicles will be charged by solar energy.

Summary of bilateral results