LASITHI PLATEAU
Winters can be harsh on this vast plateau surrounded by the mountains of eastern Crete.
To meet the heating needs of the community, the residual materials of agricultural and livestock activities can be of assistance. Additionally, windmills can offer an effective means of reducing electricity costs.
Winters can be harsh on this vast plateau surrounded by the mountains of eastern Crete.
To meet the heating needs of the community, the residual materials of agricultural and livestock activities can be of assistance. Additionally, windmills can offer an effective means of reducing electricity costs.
About LASITHI PLATEAU
The Lasithi Plateau stands as one of the most iconic landmarks of Crete, boasting significant historical, agricultural, economic, and folkloric relevance. Nestled in the heart of the Dikti Mountains, within the mainland of the Lasithi Prefecture, the plateau exceeds an altitude of 800 metres, resulting in its distinctive cold climate.
For several weeks a year, the area is covered by snow. Despite its challenging climate, the plateau is inhabited by 2,400 permanent residents who are primarily engaged in agriculture, stock farming, and tourism.
The community’s need
The Lasithi Plateau requires indoor space heating for approximately 9 months per year.
Our solution
The agricultural and stock-farming activities offer the foundation for installing a biogas plant. The plant will include a reception area for liquid and solid bio-based waste streams, feeding stations, primary and secondary digesters, biogas storage, biogas cleaning and the combined heat and power (CHP) engine. The plant will process a large variety of waste streams, including organic waste from households, used fats and vegetable oils, stock-farming manure, whey, clover and silage. The heat supplied to the final users by the new system will be offered at a price that ensures the maintenance of the plant.
Additionally, 50 small windmills with a nominal electrical output of 3 kW, modelled after the traditional Lasithi windmill, will be installed in the area for electricity production, operating as a net-metering plant. As the electricity consumption of the members involved will be compensated by the production from the windmills, a 70% reduction in electricity bills is expected.
Community composition
20 residential buildings
175 households
Benefits
Reduction of at least 50% in heating cost
70% reduction in electricity bill expenses
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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.
