Sustainable Water Resources Management and Energy Production in Small Mediterranean Islands

Abstract The study aims to address the challenges of water scarcity and energy instability faced by small Mediterranean islands, exacerbated by tourism and population fluctuations. A Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) is proposed to provide sustainable solutions by integrating wind turbines, pumped hydro storage, hydrogen storage, and desalination. The methodology involves simulating the system’s operation in two islands using historical data, wind energy calculations, and energy storage dimensioning. Three scenarios are evaluated: pumped hydro storage, hydrogen storage, and a combination of both, with a focus on covering water and energy demand, while minimizing costs. Results indicate that the combined storage scenario achieves 87% electrical demand satisfaction, surpassing single storage scenarios. Desalination ensures 99.99% water demand coverage across all scenarios, with marginal costs for potable water and energy calculated at 3 €/m³ and 0.016–0.131 €/kWh, respectively. The pumped hydro storage method proves more efficient, while hydrogen storage adds flexibility to the system. The findings highlight the adaptability of the proposed HRES for small islands globally, offering a replicable model for addressing the water-energy nexus. The study provides practical insights into integrating renewable energy, innovative storage solutions, and desalination for sustainable development in isolated regions.