The Park of Energy Awareness (PENA) was created by the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving to give everyone a chance to see the various forms of renewable energy operating at full scale, to learn about the technologies used to harness them, and the resulting benefits for the environment and the humanity in general.
I. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRACTICE
1. TITLE OF THE PRACTICE
PARK OF ENERGY AWARENESS (PENA) Presentation of Pena
2. LOCATION OF GOOD PRACTICE
Keratea, Attica Region, Greece
3. PRECISE THEME/ISSUE TACKLED BY THE PRACTICE
The Park of Energy Awareness (PENA) was created by the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving to give everyone a chance to see the various forms of renewable energy operating at full scale, to learn about the technologies used to harness them, and the resulting benefits for the environment and the humanity in general.
4. KEY WORDS
energy, awareness, general public, renewable energy source, CRES
5. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICE
PENA is integrated into the landscape and it was constructed with the smallest possible number of changes to the natural environment of the area. The boundary of the park is marked by a wooden pathway lit by photovoltaic cells. Along the route, visitors encounter educational displays and energy demonstration displays on the various forms of renewable energy. Two electric vehicles will be also available for the use of visitors with special needs.
The park was developed in the 3.01 MW Demonstration Wind Farm that CRES operates since 1998. The project was co-funded by the O. P. “Competitiveness” of the Greek Ministry of Development (Action 2.1.1 & 9.1.2) and the Greek State. The total budget rises to 2.453.299€.
CRES’ Park of Energy Awareness is the first integrated installation in Greece that offers a successful combination of informational, demonstrative and educational activities in Renewable Energy Sources.
PENA consists of 4 Educational Thematic Areas and 3 Technology Hubs fully equipped with state of the art demonstrative units.
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICE
6.1 Origin/background
Climate change is a fact for which we all share responsibility. We consume energy in all of our daily activities and while our energy needs increase along with technological progress, the Earth’s reserves are rapidly dwindling. Is there a solution?
Yes, there is: Renewable energy sources, inexhaustible energy sources which nature offers to us in abundance and which can solve the energy problem and protect the environment at the same time.
The Park of Energy Awareness- PENA was created by the CRES to give everyone a chance to see the various forms of renewable energy operating at full scale, to learn about the technologies used to harness them, and the resulting benefits for the environment and humanity.
6.2 Timescale
starting date of the action 17-10-2003
date of completion of the action 31-10-2008
6.3 Bodies involved
1. Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving
2. Greek Ministry of Development/ General Secretariat for Research & Technology
3. Special Secretariat for Competitiveness / Management Authority
6.4. Problem tackled
The PENA project does not answer to a specific problem but fills an education-dissemination gap by establishing a model park with renewable energy components.
6.5 Target of the practice
1. Research – Technology
2. Adaptation of New Technologies
3. Energy
4. Value added for the local and regional development
5. Enhancement of society of knowledge
6.6 Target groups
1. General public
2. Pupils and student
3. Engineers
6.7. Detailed content of the practice
PENA consists of 4 Educational Thematic Areas and 3 Technology Hubs fully equipped with state of the art demonstrative units. Pena is located in the 3.01 MW Demonstration Wind Farm that CRES operates since 1998.
Educational Thematic Areas:
This thematic area is dedicated to wind energy and to its exploitation. There are 5 Wind Turbines (W/T) of various types at the PENA with a total installed capacity of 3,01 MW, two of which were manufactured in Greece. At the entrance to the area there is a horizontal axis W/T of 750 kW. The educational thematic area also includes a biomass system for space heating & domestic hot water production.
The technologies for the production, storage and use of hydrogen in combination with another renewable energy source are presented here. The Hydrogen educational area is equipped with a pilot plant for the production and storage of hydrogen produced by wind energy. It consists of a 25 kW electrolysis unit, with a hydrogen production capacity of up to 5 m3/h. This plant is the first research unit of this scale in Europe.
A Small Hydroelectric System has been installed in the area “Flowing Water” in order to familiarize us with Hydroelectric Power and the systems for producing and using it.
It’s an area on solar energy, the best known renewable energy source in Greece. Here, we have the opportunity to we learn about the new technologies of solar energy utilisation, such as electricity production and air conditioning. In this area we can see:
A PV System for Water Pumping
A Solar Cooling Unit (desiccant evaporative cooling)
An Autonomous Hybrid (PV/Wind) Desalination Unit
A PV Solar Tracking System
Energy Technology Hubs
This unit is located at the beginning of our route through the park. Here we learn what renewable energy sources are and the relevant technologies. We learn how people used them in the past and how they are used today.
Here we learn about the forms of geothermal energy and how it is used. A small glass enclosure has been built at this energy hub where a Geothermal Heat Pump for space heating and cooling has been installed.
This last, but not least, hub of our route is dedicated to technologies and applications for renewable energy sources exploitation, which are still in the research or pilot phase and which represent a challenge for the future.
Central Building
The main building at PENA which includes an auditorium for 45 people, fully equipped with state of the art multimedia systems for training programmes and seminars.
6.8. Legal framework
▪ Operation by Centre for Renewable Energy Sources
6.9. Financial framework
3rd Community Support Framework 2000-2006
OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME “COMPETITIVENESS”
European Regional Development Fund / Measure 2.1
7. EVALUATION
7.1. Main strengths
▪ PENA is integrated into the landscape and it was constructed with the smallest possible number of changes to the natural environment of the area.
▪ Demonstrational Units operating at full scale
▪ The park is operating under the supervision of CRES’ highly qualified scientific and technical personnel
7.2 Main weaknesses
Since PENA is located in a full scale Wind Park the weather conditions influence the available visiting days
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
II. TRANSFERABILITY OF THE PRACTICE
8. KEY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REGIONAL CONTEXT
CRES’ Park of Energy Awareness is the first integrated installation in Greece that offers a successful combination of informational, demonstrative and educational activities in Renewable Energy Sources. The renewable energy sources technologies used installed the park, are demonstration units operating at full scale.
9. GENERAL JUDGEMENT OF THE PRACTICE
9.1. Degree of Innovation ++
9.2. Transferability ++
9.3. Cost/benefit ratio 0
10. CONTACT
Regional Content Manager
a)Chrysostomos Stylios
Tel: +30 2610911553
E-mail: stylios@psp.org.gr
b) George Tsovolos
Tel: +30 2610911560
E-mail: tzovolos@gmail.com
Additional Contact Persons
a) Ms Eftichia Tzen
Tel:+30 2106603361
E-mail:etzen@cres.gr
b) Dr Ioannis Vougiouklakis
Tel:+30 2106603320
E-mail:ivougiou@cres.gr
c) Ms Effie Korma
Tel: +302106603319
E-mail:ekorma@cres.gr
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