Modelling Renewable Energy Islands: and the Benefits for Energy Planning

This PhD thesis defines the role of islands in the field of sustainable energy planning. It addresses the Paris Agreement through the uptake of renewable energy technologies and how the 80,000 islands globally may contribute to developing those both on islands and elsewhere. With a particular focus on three case studies – Samsø, Orkney and Madeira – and the SMILE project, the PhD thesis highlights general perspectives of islands, the potentials and limitations on islands, and the understanding we can gain from them. Thus, the thesis contributes to energy planning in three ways. First, the concepts of smart energy systems and islands are elaborated and combined. Second, the theories of transition and governance are illustrated through island perspective. And third, the methods of energy system analysis and case studies are contemplated through a review of publications on modelling with islands. The thesis critically reflects on the work done with islands and, despite being located on the edge, on the benefits for both energy planners and islanders through cutting-edge contributions. The coordination of the research done with islands and the acknowledgement they deserve will benefit energy planning by supporting the transition towards 100% renewable energy share and the fight against climate change.