Sustainable development of the Prefecture of Kephalonia
An optimisation methodology is applied on the islands of Kephalonia and Ithaca (Prefecture of Kephalonia) in Greece, where various Renewable Energy Sources (RES) can be found and could be exploited to satisfy part of their energy needs. These resources are examined and a case study is performed for Kephalonia that involves an application of specific mathematical tools that will lead to a set of energy solutions. Many scenarios of cases were examined where the requirements of certain end uses were increased and also cases where some of the renewable energy systems were not at the maximum of their potential.
Alternative scenarios of the utilisation of renewable energy sources in small prefectures: a case study in Lasithi Prefecture, Greece
The sector of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) is growing very fast, with many innovations and applications becoming a reality. The continuous reduction of natural resources has forced all policymakers to turn to alternative energy sources. The total energy (oil and electricity consumption) consumed in the prefecture of Lasithi during the years 1997â€“2002 in correlation with the RES exploitation potential in the prefecture is the base of an analysis where RES methodologies are exploited to satisfy part of the prefecture's energy needs. Solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and biomass are examined and a case study is performed for Lasithi that involves an application of specific mathematical tools leading to a set of alternative scenarios. The objective of this work is the integration of environmentally friendly processes for the satisfaction of the energy needs of Lasithi Prefecture, paying attention at the same time to the financial viability of these systems.
Tools for Sediment Management in Rivers
Sediment management, including supply and continual redistribution of sediments for channel maintenance and channel forming, is critical for effective environmental water programs. Many tools have been developed to more effectively manage sediment in rivers for ecosystem maintenance and improvement. This chapter reviews some of these tools, including sediment mobilization theory, environmental water requirements for geomorphic maintenance, and complementary options. Sediment mobilization theory addresses entrainment, transport, and deposition of sediment particles. Environmental flows assessment approaches that support geomorphic processes include threshold-based approaches, field/laboratory methods, and holistic methods. Complementary options for sediment management include catchment-scale conceptual models and budgets for sediment, basin land management (e.g., reforestation, better agriculture practices, etc.), sediment management through dams, and sediment augmentation below dams. These complementary options often have cobenefits with other management objectives. The chapter emphasizes that sediment management is generally complex, such that continual research is needed, ranging from improved sediment mobilization models to large-scale river experiments.