Written by Margarita Kyrkou, surveyor & GIS specialist.
Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the energy of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widely used sources of renewable energy in the world. Also, it can play a crucial role in managing floods by providing a controlled release of water during heavy rain or snowmelt events.
Recently, Wattcrop, true to its vision and commitments, submitted three more renewable energy projects to the independent Regulatory Authority for Waste Energy and Water (RAEAEY) for the issuance of a producer’s certificate. The first of these is a storage project with accumulators while the other two are photovoltaic plants with integrated storage.
The storage project submitted to RAAEY in September is located in the region of Florina. It is an interconnected Energy Storage System (stand-alone BESS) with a Nominal Capacity of 400 MWh and Nominal Power of 100 MW.
Written by Aggeliki Marinou, environmental engineer at Wattcrop.
The transition to renewable energy is a promising and necessary step toward a more sustainable future. As the use of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines rapidly increases, so does the need to address the problem of battery disposal. Batteries play an important role in energy storage, making them an integral part of the renewable energy system. The challenges and solutions around battery waste management in the context of renewable energy are explained below.
Written by Riki Argyropoulou, junior surveyor at Wattcrop.
In an era marked by pressing environmental concerns and a growing recognition of the value of cultural heritage, the convergence of cultural heritage conservation and green energy initiatives presents a unique opportunity for sustainable development. This harmonious blend not only safeguards our past but also ensures a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come. In this article, we will explore the intersection of cultural heritage preservation and green energy solutions, highlighting the benefits of this collaboration and its potential to drive positive change.
Written by Giannis Taousanidis, electrical engineer at Wattcrop.
In our quest for sustainable energy solutions, the integration of solar power into our everyday lives has gained significant attention. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) stands at the forefront of this renewable energy revolution. BIPV represents a marriage of architecture and energy generation, transforming traditional building structures into power-generating assets. This article explores the concept of BIPV, its benefits, and the challenges and considerations involved in its implementation.
In the pursuit of a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future, the coupling of renewable energy sources with energy storage technologies is revolutionising the grid. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy offer clean and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. However, the variable nature of their production due to weather conditions creates challenges for grid stability and reliability. Energy storage technologies, including batteries and pumped storage, can play an important role in reliable grid operation.
Recent advancements in these technology, including improvements in battery chemistry and falling costs, have made energy storage increasingly practical and cost-effective. These innovations have expanded the role of energy storage beyond individual homes to large-scale utility applications.
Written by Niki Tsani, Administrative Assistant at Wattcrop
In recent years, the global shift towards renewable energy sources has ignited a profound transformation in the energy sector, with far-reaching benefits that extend beyond environmental preservation. The rise of renewables, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, has not only revolutionized our approach to energy generation but has also become a driving force behind economic growth and job creation.
Written by Asimina Fotopoulou, graphic designer at Wattcrop.
When you think of graphic design, sustainability isn’t really the first or even the second thing that comes to mind. It’s a relatively new concept that many are not yet aware of, but it is becoming more popular as environmental problems become more serious.
Sustainable graphic design prioritizes the impact the design has on the environment. The goal here is to minimize the negative implications of design practices on the planet by integrating sustainable and ethical considerations throughout the creative process. This involves making mindful choices about materials, production methods, and energy consumption. Read more
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.
Written by Margarita Kyrkou, Rural-Surveying Engineer & GIS Specialist at Wattcrop
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.
