Azores Islands to be Climate Change Model

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 00:00

The Green Islands Project is the world's largest experiments in viable energy systems powered entirely by renewable sources. Sao Miguel and Flores islands were chosen because both currently use renewable energy sources in addition to oil. Sao Miguel generates about half of its electricity from two geothermal plants, and Flores has significant hydroelectric resources. The experts study when and where it¹s sunny or windy, seasonal shifts in winds and rains, which islands have the most geothermal power and how much electricity each can generate, and how the islands¹ agriculture wastes can be converted to methane to generate electricity. A plan for converting both public and private transportation to electric vehicles is on the Project's drawing board. The regional government is working with the project to convert municipal solid waste to energy, both to address waste removal problems and to reduce reliance on oil. Read more here.