Accelerating a just and effective energy transition
To limit global warming and facilitate the creation of independent and secure energy systems accessible to all, European regions need to accelerate the transition from fossil-based to renewable-based energy systems.
Co-funded by the European Union, CRETE VALLEY is a project that will transform Crete into a sustainable, decentralised energy system, enabling the island to meet its energy needs through renewable sources.
Co-funded by the European Union, CRETE VALLEY is a project that will transform Crete into a sustainable, decentralised energy system, enabling the island to meet its energy needs through renewable sources.
Sustainable energy for local communities
CRETE VALLEY aims to develop an innovative Renewable Energy Valley ‘Living Lab’ (REV-Lab) consisting of four Community Energy Labs (CELs) located across Crete. The CELs will demonstrate a data-driven, multi-carrier grid system for the sustainable and cost-effective production and storage of energy.
Each CEL will rely on different renewable sources and promote the active participation of local communities to achieve both energy independence and energy democracy.
The change we aim to achieve
Renewable Energy Valleys (REVs) help generate, distribute and use renewable energy within the same geographical area. They integrate advanced information and communication technology (ICT), interoperable digital solutions, social innovation processes, and economically viable business models.
The decarbonised, decentralised multi-carrier energy grid we aim to create will allow the shift from the traditional system, reforming the foundations of the energy sector.
Citizens engaged
Energy bill reduction
Of energy needs to be covered annually by renewable sources
Of community members using data-driven services
A tangible impact
CRETE VALLEY will use innovative ICT technologies and digital solutions to benefit the communities involved, demonstrate the scalability of renewable energy systems, create sustainable jobs and accelerate the green transition.
The path to our goal
Our main goal is to establish Crete as a pioneering Renewable Energy Valley, which combines ICT technologies with social innovation processes of co-design and co-creation, while providing efficient business models.
To achieve this, we have outlined specific objectives that guide our path forward. Specifically, CRETE VALLEY plans to:
Use social science-based methodologies to achieve administrative, financial and policy capacity.
Create easy-to-use tools for planning renewable energy projects that address technical considerations, environmental protection and social concerns.
Deploy extended consumer-oriented interoperability, and EDS-aligned tools for trusted, sovereign, secure and participatory data sharing, to enable consumer and REV-level data-driven ‘activation’.
Implement a digital twin system to enhance multi-carrier grid management and provide additional services for consumers and REV-level energy autonomy.
Demonstrate and validate the CRETE VALLEY solutions, bringing together various Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in different climatic areas, operated by different stakeholders.
Develop and replicate sustainable business models that ensure equitable access to affordable energy for all consumers.
Support the growth of Renewable Energy Valleys in Europe, facilitating capacity building and fostering new market opportunities.
Latest updates
A Renewable Energy Valley launches in Crete to lead the European energy transition
A three-day event to kick-off the REV-Lab
SGI 2024 – Smart Grid Ireland Innovation Conference
The CRETE VALLEY partner, EPRI Europe, will bring our project at the SGI innovation conference.
Co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement no. 101136139. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
