On May 25, our project team arrived in sunny Arvi to introduce their innovative solutions to the community. Facing cooling needs for up to nine months of the year, Arvi stands to benefit significantly from this initiative.
The project will implement photovoltaic systems paired with battery storage and air conditioning via a geo-exchange system using seawater, which will also provide heating in winter. These measures are expected to cut electricity consumption for heating and cooling by 40-50%.
The team’s first stop was the port of Arvi, where they oversaw the installation of equipment for the geo-exchange unit and inspected the proposed route for the cooling hydraulic network.
Later, an informative session at the Cultural Association hall brought together around 25 residents and local business owners. Here, our partners from the Region of Crete, Minoan Energy Community, ICCS, SYCHEM, SYNERGY, and HOLISTIC presented the project and addressed key questions from the public. Discussions centred on the benefits of the new energy systems, potential health impacts, selection criteria for Arvi, installation timelines, environmental considerations, and cost and maintenance details.
The residents’ active participation and curiosity highlighted the community’s interest in adopting these sustainable practices, paving the way for broader acceptance and potential expansion of the project in the future.
