This study explores the integration of renewable energy sources, including photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines (WT) and battery energy storage systems (BESS), to improve sustainability, reduce diesel dependency, and optimize costs for both the grid and the desalination plant of the island of Lipari. The interventions analysed focus on the complete repowering of the existing and non-operational PV plant in Monte Sant’Angelo, which was initially built to supply only electricity to the desalination plant.
The results show that integrating PV and BESS into Lipari’s distribution grid is highly beneficial and preferable to connecting it to the desalination plant only. The study recommends prioritizing the Scenario with PV connected to the grid for its financial viability and fuel savings. Hybridising wind and PV sources and regularly revisiting fuel price dynamics are also suggested to optimise the system further. This transition will significantly contribute to Lipari’s energy sustainability, economic savings, and resilience.