GIS Solutions for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Green Energy Transition

Written by Riki Argyropoulou, junior surveyor at Wattcrop.

The world is at a pivotal moment in its efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. One of the key strategies in this battle is the transition to green energy sources, with electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as a vital component of the sustainable future. As governments, industries, and individuals increasingly adopt EVs, the demand for efficient and widespread charging infrastructure becomes paramount. This is where Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology steps in, playing a pivotal role in planning, optimizing, and expanding the electric vehicle charging network.

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How to Save Water with Agrivoltaics: The Sustainable Future of Agriculture

Written by Aggeliki Marinou, environmental engineer at Wattcrop.

Water scarcity is a pressing global challenge affecting agriculture, energy production and the environment. In recent years, the concept of agrovoltaics has emerged as a promising solution to sustainably address both water and energy needs. Agro-photovoltaics, involve the integration of solar panels with agricultural activities on the same land. By combining agricultural activities and solar energy production, agro-voltaic systems bring many benefits as farmers can optimize land use, conserve water and promote a more resilient and efficient agricultural system. In this article, we explore the various ways in which agro-photovoltaics can save water and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Mitigating Fire Risks in Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

 

Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a key technology for integrating renewable energy sources and grid stability. However, the significant energy density in a confined space poses fire risks. Recent incidents have highlighted the need for effective interventions to detect and mitigate BESS failures before they escalate into catastrophic events. This article explores the causes of fires in storage (BESS) systems and key interventions, including specialist fire suppression, to ensure safe operation of facilities.

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Community-Driven Renewables: Overcoming Obstacles for a Sustainable Future

Written by Giannis Taousanidis, electrical engineer at Wattcrop.

By almost completing the first quarter of the 21st century and the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, an increasing number of people turn to renewable energy and other energy-efficient solutions (circular economy, Nealy Zero Emission Buildings, etc.). In this quest for a sustainable and eco-friendly future, community-driven renewable energy initiatives are a very promising solution. Utilizing RES’s capability of distributed generation, these initiatives allow local communities to take control of their energy production, reduce carbon emissions, and foster economic growth. However, these endeavors face a considerable number of obstacles that must be addressed.

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Urban Sustainability and Green Cities

Written by Margarita Kyrkou, Rural-Surveying Engineer & GIS Specialist at Wattcrop

Urban Sustainability and Green Cities

Urban sustainability is becoming an increasingly critical concern as the world’s population continues to urbanize at an unprecedented rate. A large proportion of the world’s population is concentrated in urban centers and is projected to increase to 70% by 2030. At the same time, cities bear the greatest responsibility for the human footprint on the environment, being responsible for more than 70% of the carbon dioxide emitted into the environment and most of the waste. Furthermore, many cities are already facing problems in air quality, solid and liquid waste management, and infrastructure. These challenges must be addressed to ensure a high quality of life for their residents. This is where the concept of green cities, also known as sustainable cities, comes into play.

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Offshore Wind Farms: Utilization of Wind Energy at Sea

Written by Petros Maggos, electrical engineer at Wattcrop.

As the world strives to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, wind turbines which convert wind energy into electricity play a key role in this direction for the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Over the years, we have seen a large number of wind turbines installed on mount lands. However, the availability of suitable land for installing these turbines is becoming increasingly limited. Nowadays it is feasible to install wind turbines in bodies of water usually at sea to create offshore wind farms instead of onshore. Offshore wind farms have emerged as a promising solution in the renewable energy sector.

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The issue of energy storage in Greece

FM: True Story Radio 102,8
Producer: Antonis Pougaridis

Cleantech Geek

As Managing Partner of Wattcrop (hhtps://www.wattcrop.com) I had the pleasure of giving one more full interview on the radio show of Antonis Pougardis on True Story Radio, the only informative radio station in Western Macedonia. We talked extensively about energy issues with extensive reference to the issue of energy storage in Greece.

This YouTube channel has been created out of the need to understand the drivers behind the Energy Transition and the necessity to move towards a sustainable economy. Entrepreneurs, innovation, and startups will be at the forefront being the early adopters, the pioneers, the disruptors… Join us on this Journey!

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Photovoltaic Systems in Green Architecture: Powering Sustainable Buildings

Written by Riki Argyropoulou, junior surveyor at Wattcrop.

In the quest for a sustainable future, green architecture has emerged as a pivotal approach to reducing the environmental impact of buildings. At the forefront of this movement are photovoltaic (PV) systems, which harness the power of the sun to generate clean and renewable electricity. Integrating PV systems into green architecture not only offers numerous environmental benefits but also contributes to energy efficiency, resilience, and cost savings. This article explores the role of photovoltaic systems in green architecture, highlighting their significance, benefits, and the transformative potential they hold for sustainable building design.

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Renewables and Sustainable Agriculture: Opportunities for Synergy

Written by Aggeliki Marinou, environmental engineer at Wattcrop.

 

As the world grapples with the twin challenges of climate change and food security, the integration of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture offers a promising solution. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and biomass, have gained traction in recent years as alternatives to fossil fuels. Similarly, sustainable agriculture practices aim to minimize environmental impact while ensuring food production. By combining these two spheres, we can unlock numerous opportunities for synergy that will pave the way for a greener and more food-secure future.

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Climate change: Changing weather patterns confirm its arrival

Written by Wattcrop.

As the seasons shift and weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, the undeniable truth of climate change becomes more apparent. The Earth’s climate has always been dynamic, with natural variations occurring over centuries. However, the rapid and extreme changes we are witnessing today cannot be solely attributed to natural causes. The evidence is mounting, and it is clear that climate change is knocking at our door, demanding urgent attention and action.

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