Case Studies
Case Studies
Research
ISLA Energy Model
Our models capitalise on large-scale ‘islands and coastal’ data sets and mathematical methods to capture the complex system of interactions between resource use (energy, water, land, materials, food).
The energy demand and supply modelling for islands nations: ISLA Model is a simulation model developed initially to analyse the future energy supply and demand scenarios based on changes in policies, regulations, historical trends, technology costs and performance. It includes all energy source streams and all demand sectors (residential, industry, services, and transport). The primary purpose is the techno-economic analysis of possible scenarios, assessing the impact of increased use of renewable energy, low carbon technologies, application of energy efficiency measures.
The model has been extended to other resources (water, land, materials, food) to help understand the trade-offs between energy and other resource use.
Integrated Dynamic assessment of the trade-offs between resources: IDA3/5 model
Developing sustainable future islands depends on optimal integration of resources in a synergistic way. A nexus approach could help planners to understand potential trade-offs between resources. IDA3/5 model calculates the energy requirement for water-related activities, the water requirement for power generation, the land requirement for power generation and food grow. Different scenarios account for different technology composition and climate change scenarios. The study area of the model can be divided into sub-areas using a pyramid structure, and analysis can be done at different levels. The purpose of the model was to understand trade-offs between resource use and cascading affects in systems and services. The model has been originally developed in Matlab, currently is available in Matlab, Java and Python.
Demonstration Islands Case Studies
Since 2013 we have analysed more than 326 research case studies for islands and since 2020 we expanded/applied our methods to coastal cities as well. We are creating a global directory of analysis for islands and coastal cities for energy and resource use, giving their geographical, economic, environmental, and social characteristics.
Re-Energize DR3 Integrated Toolbox for inclusive decision making
The ICR Lab developed Re-Energize DR3 toolbox that combines quantitative methods (artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, resource nexus modelling, climate modelling) and qualitative methods (stakeholder selection, engagement processes, survey design, metrics and indicators, Policy Delphi) with a deontological approach (values and principles of environmental justice, analysis of policies, laws and regulations) all interconnected, in which decision makers could adopt and operate hypothetical possibilities to the extent that decisions lead to anticipated reduction in causalities, increase in response and support to vulnerable groups, decrease in finance losses as a result of improved response and prevention measures.
Blue-Green IC Toolbox
The Blue-Green IC Toolbox is to help decision makers to channel actions and change towards transition to a sustainable blue-green economy.
The number of challenges our societies must address on land and ocean is often overwhelming (climate change, sea level rise). As nearly 40% of the world’s population depends on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods, a blue-green wide approach needs to be adopted to address the resilience and adaptation to climate change, improve human well-being. The ocean space could bring new opportunities for harvesting renewable energy and growing food. The ICR Lab research innovative solutions such as amphibious homes designed to float when the water level rise, floating modular interconnected systems to support a green economy, cargo ships which could act as floating microgrids to power islands and coastal areas for disaster preparedness and recovery.
Multimodal Data and Big Data
Researchers in ICR Lab collected large amount of data for islands and coastal cities, for different sectors and much more. For example, we calculate the residential demand profiles for Greek Islands following an extensive bottom-up demand-driven analyses based on data from household surveys, while the regional demand growth is configured through a top-down approach using projections on regional demographics and economic growth indicators. For services sector demand calculations includes statistics related to electricity consumption and the building stock.