The Social Perspective on the Renewable Energy Autonomy of Geographically Isolated Communities: Evidence from a Mediterranean Island

ABSTRACT: The use of renewable energy sources can provide a path toward sustainable developmentand regional energy independence. In particular, renewable-based energy autonomy constitutes aviable option in remote areas. This work presents a survey on the use of renewable energy as part of anenergy autonomy plan on a Mediterranean island. The study also included personal communicationswith residents and local community leaders. The results show an overall positive attitude towardrenewable energy applications. The majority of the respondents support the implementation ofrenewable-based, small-scale projects corresponding to local energy autonomy scenarios. They are,furthermore, convinced that a wider use of renewable technologies can reduce the environmentalimpact of conventional fuels. However, although people are aware of technologies widely used onthe island, they are much less so when it comes to less prominent technologies (wave energy, fuelcells, etc.). People tend to be more open to installations of solar, wind and geothermal energy, whilegenerally they dislike nuclear and coal power plants. Lastly, the majority of the respondents believethat local policies on energy issues should change, while they also perceive the lack of political willas one of the most important obstacles to the implementation of renewable technologies.

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