Island facts
Samothrace is interconnected with the mainland with two submarine cables (3x35 Cu, 20 kV).
Samothrace is an island in the Thracian Sea, located in the northeastern Aegean, between Lemnos, Imbros, and Thasos. It covers an area of 178 square kilometres and is home to the highest peak in the Aegean, Mount Saos, which rises to 1,611 meters. The island's capital is the village of Chora, a picturesque settlement built amphitheatrically. Samothrace is renowned for its wild, pristine nature, featuring steep mountains, rich flora and fauna, waterfalls, small lakes, and beaches. The island is also famous for the ancient Greek statue of Nike, which was discovered in 1863 and is now displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Samothrace has a permanent population of 2,596 residents (2021), and its economy is based mainly on tourism and fishing. The island is connected by ferry to Alexandroupolis and Lemnos.
The current penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) in its electricity supply is 57%, which aligns with the mainland's energy mix. The island has installed 1,471 kW of solar photovoltaic. The island’s total annual energy demand, including electricity, heating/cooling, and transportation, is about 93 GWh.
The island’s vision for its energy transition is centred around implementing a participatory economy model, which leverages locally available renewable energy to reduce costs, engage the local community, and protect the natural environment. In the Follower Islands programme framework, Samothrace aims to achieve greater energy autonomy and resilience, transitioning to more sustainable and locally sourced energy systems. This involves upgrading energy infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and increasing the share of locally produced clean energy, considering the available renewable potential on the island and based on the local community's needs.