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Phedeas Stephanides

University of East Anglia, ENV, Graduate Student

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I am a PhD student at the 3S (Science, Society and Sustainability) Research Group, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia (UEA).

I define myself as a radical geographer as most of my life in academia has evolved around heterodox/ radically alternative solutions to mainstream issues - from the sustainability to the broader problem of (neoliberal) capitalism.

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is, to a certain extent, my natural academic habitat as I completed both my Undergraduate and (Integrated) Masters degrees at UEA prior to starting my PhD research on ‘The Economic Crisis as an Opportunity for Social Change' which focuses on community currencies emerging from radical leftist circles in the wake of the economic crisis and as a direct, conscious challenge to the capitalist status-quo.

Aside carrying out my PhD research, I am also an Associate Tutor teaching on the Sustainable Consumption (Masters-level) module of the School of Environmental Sciences, the book review editor of the International Journal of Community Currency Research (IJCCR), the blog editor of the “Merton Stone Blog” of the 3S (Science, Society and Sustainability) Research Group and an academic-activist.
Supervisors: Tom Hargreaves and Gill Seyfang
Phone: 0044 7891070350
Address: 23 Gilman Road,
NR3 4JB,
Norwich,
Norfolk,
UK

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Book Reviews by Phedeas Stephanides

Stephanides, P. (2012) ‘Life Without Money: Building Fair and Sustainable Economies’ book review, International Journal of Community Currency Research, 16C, pp.6-7.

Talks by Phedeas Stephanides

Stephanides, P. (2015). 'Exceeding the limits of the local: The trans-local spatiality and extra-local potential of local community currencies' Talk to be given at the 'Critical Geographies of the Sharing Economy' session of the 2015 RGS-IBG Annual International Conference

As a lot of hope for social change is directed to sharing economy projects, it is important to no... more As a lot of hope for social change is directed to sharing economy projects, it is important to not only explore how they are influenced by place particularities, but also how they can redefine the spatial underpinnings of economic life by signifying something bigger than themselves. In aiming to broaden the debate on how spatiality both shapes and gets shaped by the practices of sharing economy projects, this paper builds on theorisation on political activism (Featherstone 2008; Harvey 2001) and critically examines three post-recession community currencies in Greece. The findings highlight how these currencies do not only weave together different spatial logics, but also how scale and space are contested constructs always in the making. Of particular importance is the tension arising from the diverse spatial narratives of their members: spatial protectionism defined by attempts to build dense networks of trust in stable place projects and to protect gains in particular interstitial social spaces by only reaching-out selectively on the one hand, and aspirations of exceeding local limits shaping everyday practices in a quest to establish connectedness with other projects and to deliver a non-capitalist world on the other. While the findings suggest that the projects express inconclusive identities, practices and spatial forms, it is through these material and discursive battles between different spatial forms that these currencies gain part of their momentum. Bearing these findings in mind, the paper concludes with recommendations on how we should think of and support the development, scaling-up and extra-local potential of community currencies.

Stephanides, P. (2015). 'Alternative currencies: A non-capitalist monetary Utopia in the making?' Talk to be given at the 'Alternative experiments: Spaces of Learning and innovation at the grassroots' session of the 2015 RGS-IBG Annual International Conference

In the midst of an economic crisis granting the opportunity to question and reorganise monetary a... more In the midst of an economic crisis granting the opportunity to question and reorganise monetary activity (Dodd 2014), this paper builds on a non-abolitionist line of thought claiming that a non-capitalist Utopia can materialise through radically transformed money (cf. Fromm 1976). Accordingly, and on the basis of theorisation on proliferative noncapitalism (cf. Gibson-Graham 2006; Holloway 2010), the paper critically examines postrecession alternative currencies as spaces where people experiment and exchange despite yet beyond capitalism. In aiming to broaden the debate on how these are made and develop, the paper presents findings from an ethnographic study of three alternative currencies developed with non-capitalist aspirations in mind in recession-laden Greece. Collectively, these findings highlight that these local experiments develop through messy everyday practices of building a non-capitalist future in the present. Amongst others, this involves: a) ongoing negotiations of heterogeneous ideologies between members who are variably committed to the aspiration for a non-capitalist Utopia, b) the constant co-shaping of collective action repertoires by both member values and a need for pragmatic reworking in light of capitalist pressures and project failures, and c) a struggle to carry-out common everyday practices outside the capitalist market. It is argued that it is through this everyday experimentation and the incessant contestation of the "alternativity" of these currencies that the alternative economy becomes accessible, gains impetus and develops. Bearing these findings in mind, the paper concludes with recommendations on how we should think of and support the development and potential of alternative currencies.

Stephanides, P. (2014). ‘Community currencies of the recession era: Collective co-productions of a post-capitalist future?': Talk given at the From Co-Production to Alternative Futures of the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2014.

Across neoliberal capitalist states, policy-makers are planning our recovery from the economic do... more Across neoliberal capitalist states, policy-makers are planning our recovery from the economic downturn on the basis of the same culture of individualism, economic liberalism and consumerism that brought us here in the first place (cf. Castells et al. 2012), demonstrating in this manner the self-preservation tendencies of capital (De Angelis 2007). Nonetheless, the futures of our societies are also being planned on the basis of "other" values held by social movements engaged in the coproduction of alternatives to capital (cf. Wieviorka 2012). One such example are community currencies (CCs) which have been praised as movements advancing socially equitable and ecologically sustainable de-growth on the basis of post-capitalist economic relations (e.g. Douthwaite 2000). Unfortunately, irrespective of optimistic assertions that the recession lends itself for a paradigm shift from capitalist discourses (cf. Mauerhofer 2013), previous research on CCs (e.g. North 2007) -and commons in general (e.g. Caffentzis 2010) -suggests that they are not inherently anti-capitalist. Bearing this in mind, and given the lack of research on CCs emerging in response to the economic crisis, this study critically assesses the extent to which they constitute post-capitalist commons. Specifically, this paper presents new evidence from the study of the scope and character of CCs developed in recession-laden Greece. Methodologically, it involves the discourse analysis of the rationales for alternative economic activity as these have been documented on the websites of 36 such schemes. Even though aspirations for community building and strengthening of social capital feature in many schemes, the research findings support the notion that CCs are not inherently post-capitalist. Moreover, by concluding on how they are milieus of contradiction (in that schemes are often characterised by both "alternative" and capital values), this study highlights the need for more in-depth, ethnographically-informed research that will shed adequate light to everyday "commoning" within such networks.

"Exploring the new frontiers of sustainable consumption research: The Interaction Ritual Chains dimension of the Social Practice Theory": Talk given at the New Frontiers in Postgraduate Geography session of the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2013

presented to the 'New Frontiers in Postgraduate Geography' session, Postgraduate Forum, RGS-IBG A... more

Papers by Phedeas Stephanides

ICE Report 2.1.2: ICE General Methodology

This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of sm... more This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of smart energy island systems. It is informed by a desk review of the available literature on smart energy islands (see T2.1.1 ICE deliverable report), current thinking in electricity system planning, and the particular challenges facing isolated systems (eg. Ushant). The approach consists of a series of sequential steps and iterations between steps that aim to guide communities through the process of creating a smart energy system. Unique to this approach is the emphasis of fostering local skills, businesses and industry in the delivery of the program with the aim of retaining these long-term benefits within the community. The document lays out the specific considerations of the proposed generic methodology for the isolated system smart energy transition. The conceptual overview of the methodology is presented and the rationale behind this choice of framework is supported. The framework com...

ICE report T2.1.2 - ICE general methodology

This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of sm... more This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of smart energy island systems. It is informed by a desk review of the available literature on smart energy islands (see T2.1.1 ICE deliverable report), current thinking in electricity system planning, and the particular challenges facing isolated systems (eg. Ushant). The approach consists of a series of sequential steps and iterations between steps that aim to guide communities through the process of creating a smart energy system. Unique to this approach is the emphasis of fostering local skills, businesses and industry in the delivery of the program with the aim of retaining these long-term benefits within the community. The document lays out the specific considerations of the proposed generic methodology for the isolated system smart energy transition. The conceptual overview of the methodology is presented and the rationale behind this choice of framework is supported. The framework com...

Sustainability of local renewable energy projects: A comprehensive framework and an empirical analysis on two islands

Sustainable Development, 2022

Local energy projects have been associated with several benefits for the local community like soc... more Local energy projects have been associated with several benefits for the local community like social cohesion, economic gains, new skills, and environmental awareness. Yet, there is limited research on whether the projects fulfill their sustainability promises, and how the local community perceive the benefits. This research introduces a novel framework to assess the success of a local renewable energy project based on the perceptions of the local population and the initial ambitions of the projects. Using this framework two innovative local renewable energy projects are assessed; one in Tilos island in Greece and the other in El Hierro in Spain. An online questionnaire was used to assess the impact of the project on people's lives, their overall assessment of the project and their willingness to support similar future initiatives. The data show that the economic benefits are not significant when people assess the project, while on the contrary other factors like the environmental benefits, sense of pride, technical parameters institutional seem to have a greater effect. The environmental and institutional factors are also among the ones that influence people's willingness to support and participate in future projects. Overall, we reveal that the two projects are quite successful in the eyes of the local population and offer good case studies with several implications for policymakers and future initiatives.

Book review on: G.Hallsmith & B.Lietaer (2011): Creating Wealth – Growing local economies with local currencies, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island-Canada

ICE report T2.1.2 - ICE general methodology

This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of sm... more This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of smart energy island systems. It is informed by a desk review of the available literature on smart energy islands (see T2.1.1 ICE deliverable report), current thinking in electricity system planning, and the particular challenges facing isolated systems (eg. Ushant). The approach consists of a series of sequential steps and iterations between steps that aim to guide communities through the process of creating a smart energy system. Unique to this approach is the emphasis of fostering local skills, businesses and industry in the delivery of the program with the aim of retaining these long-term benefits within the community. The document lays out the specific considerations of the proposed generic methodology for the isolated system smart energy transition. The conceptual overview of the methodology is presented and the rationale behind this choice of framework is supported. The framework com...

Crisis as opportunity? : an ethnographic case-study of the post-capitalist possibilities of crisis community currency movements

A growing body of scholarship suggests that capitalism is not inevitable and that moments of cris... more A growing body of scholarship suggests that capitalism is not inevitable and that moments of crisis provide an opportunity for critique and social transformation. Yet literature on social movements employing direct-action tactics to unmake capitalism and challenge austerity is still lacking. It has neither adequately dealt with non-capitalist practices, nor has it substantiated claims of efficacy in social change. This thesis uses a novel research approach and presents new empirical evidence to deal with these shortcomings. It addresses the timely questions of whether and how these social movements support life despite-yet-beyond the recession. It thinks with, yet beyond, a practice-turn in social movement scholarship to break new ground for literature on non-capitalist practices, alternative economies and social movements. Specifically, the thesis provides a multi-sited ethnographic case-study of three Athenian crisis community currency movements. This informs the first study of co...

The social perspective on island energy transitions: Evidence from the Aegean archipelago

Applied Energy

The social perspective on island energy transitions: Evidence from the Aegean archipelago

Applied Energy

Innovative Energy Islands: Life-Cycle Cost-Benefit Analysis for Battery Energy Storage

Sustainability

Cities are concentrations of economic, social, and technical assets, which are fundamental to add... more Cities are concentrations of economic, social, and technical assets, which are fundamental to addressing climate change challenges. Renewable energy sources are growing fast in cities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in response to these challenges. In this transition urban decentralized energy shares technical and economic characteristics with energy islands. This is reflected in that island energy systems essentially operate off-grid which as a modus operandi can offer lessons to small-scale urban systems. With the expansion of urban areas, communities, especially small-scale ones, are sometimes further away from the main power infrastructure. Providing power supply to these communities would require significant investment to the existing power system, either to improve its grid infrastructure or power supply facilities. The energy islands have for some time now lent themselves to energy innovation including smart grid and battery storage applications. In this research we conc...

The case for islands’ energy vulnerability: Electricity supply diversity in 44 global islands

Renewable Energy

Sustainable energy solutions for the Aegean Archipelago Islands: What is the public attitude?

Energy Procedia

District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective s... more District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat sales. Due to the changed climate conditions and building renovation policies, heat demand in the future could decrease, prolonging the investment return period. The main scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand-outdoor temperature function for heat demand forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665 buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors. The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications (the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered). The value of slope coefficient increased on average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

Bringing innovation to market: business models for battery storage

Energy Procedia

District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective s... more District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat sales. Due to the changed climate conditions and building renovation policies, heat demand in the future could decrease, prolonging the investment return period. The main scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand-outdoor temperature function for heat demand forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665 buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors. The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications (the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered). The value of slope coefficient increased on average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

Public perception of sustainable energy innovation: A case study from Tilos, Greece

Energy Procedia

District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective s... more District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat sales. Due to the changed climate conditions and building renovation policies, heat demand in the future could decrease, prolonging the investment return period. The main scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand-outdoor temperature function for heat demand forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665 buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors. The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications (the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered). The value of slope coefficient increased on average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

The challenges of engaging island communities: Lessons on renewable energy from a review of 17 case studies

Energy Research & Social Science

Lee Gregory (2015), Trading Time: Can Exchange Lead to Social Change? Bristol: Policy Press, £75.00, pp. 212, hbk

Journal of Social Policy, Jan 16, 2017

reviews 413 pioneer in print in setting out such a radical approach across a range of 'research i... more reviews 413 pioneer in print in setting out such a radical approach across a range of 'research interventions'. Critically it examines and demystifies 'the relationships and intersections between research, knowledge construction and political power/legitimacy in society'. As researchers, particularly in higher education, begin to gear up for yet another round of research evaluation (variously known as the Research Excellence Framework or Research Assessment Exercise), a framework increasingly bound by the Holy Trinity of Significance, Rigour and Innovation, this book is a sharp reminder of the absence of political discourse and of the values of social justiceequality, dignity, respect, participation-in most research practice, despite the recent nod in the direction of impact. None of these indicators are fundamentally shaped by the alleged beneficiaries of research which all too often is constrained by the needs of government. As I have found to my cost, when research findings don't chime with government's messages, they tend to be suppressed, manipulated, distorted or simply ignored. There are far too few researchers prepared or able to stay true to the values and politics of social justice: hopefully this elaborate, committed and detailed account will inspire many more to move in that direction.

Stephanides, P. (2012) ‘Life Without Money: Building Fair and Sustainable Economies’ book review, International Journal of Community Currency Research, 16C, pp.6-7.

Stephanides, P. (2015). 'Exceeding the limits of the local: The trans-local spatiality and extra-local potential of local community currencies' Talk to be given at the 'Critical Geographies of the Sharing Economy' session of the 2015 RGS-IBG Annual International Conference

As a lot of hope for social change is directed to sharing economy projects, it is important to no... more As a lot of hope for social change is directed to sharing economy projects, it is important to not only explore how they are influenced by place particularities, but also how they can redefine the spatial underpinnings of economic life by signifying something bigger than themselves. In aiming to broaden the debate on how spatiality both shapes and gets shaped by the practices of sharing economy projects, this paper builds on theorisation on political activism (Featherstone 2008; Harvey 2001) and critically examines three post-recession community currencies in Greece. The findings highlight how these currencies do not only weave together different spatial logics, but also how scale and space are contested constructs always in the making. Of particular importance is the tension arising from the diverse spatial narratives of their members: spatial protectionism defined by attempts to build dense networks of trust in stable place projects and to protect gains in particular interstitial social spaces by only reaching-out selectively on the one hand, and aspirations of exceeding local limits shaping everyday practices in a quest to establish connectedness with other projects and to deliver a non-capitalist world on the other. While the findings suggest that the projects express inconclusive identities, practices and spatial forms, it is through these material and discursive battles between different spatial forms that these currencies gain part of their momentum. Bearing these findings in mind, the paper concludes with recommendations on how we should think of and support the development, scaling-up and extra-local potential of community currencies.

Stephanides, P. (2015). 'Alternative currencies: A non-capitalist monetary Utopia in the making?' Talk to be given at the 'Alternative experiments: Spaces of Learning and innovation at the grassroots' session of the 2015 RGS-IBG Annual International Conference

In the midst of an economic crisis granting the opportunity to question and reorganise monetary a... more In the midst of an economic crisis granting the opportunity to question and reorganise monetary activity (Dodd 2014), this paper builds on a non-abolitionist line of thought claiming that a non-capitalist Utopia can materialise through radically transformed money (cf. Fromm 1976). Accordingly, and on the basis of theorisation on proliferative noncapitalism (cf. Gibson-Graham 2006; Holloway 2010), the paper critically examines postrecession alternative currencies as spaces where people experiment and exchange despite yet beyond capitalism. In aiming to broaden the debate on how these are made and develop, the paper presents findings from an ethnographic study of three alternative currencies developed with non-capitalist aspirations in mind in recession-laden Greece. Collectively, these findings highlight that these local experiments develop through messy everyday practices of building a non-capitalist future in the present. Amongst others, this involves: a) ongoing negotiations of heterogeneous ideologies between members who are variably committed to the aspiration for a non-capitalist Utopia, b) the constant co-shaping of collective action repertoires by both member values and a need for pragmatic reworking in light of capitalist pressures and project failures, and c) a struggle to carry-out common everyday practices outside the capitalist market. It is argued that it is through this everyday experimentation and the incessant contestation of the "alternativity" of these currencies that the alternative economy becomes accessible, gains impetus and develops. Bearing these findings in mind, the paper concludes with recommendations on how we should think of and support the development and potential of alternative currencies.

Stephanides, P. (2014). ‘Community currencies of the recession era: Collective co-productions of a post-capitalist future?': Talk given at the From Co-Production to Alternative Futures of the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2014.

Across neoliberal capitalist states, policy-makers are planning our recovery from the economic do... more Across neoliberal capitalist states, policy-makers are planning our recovery from the economic downturn on the basis of the same culture of individualism, economic liberalism and consumerism that brought us here in the first place (cf. Castells et al. 2012), demonstrating in this manner the self-preservation tendencies of capital (De Angelis 2007). Nonetheless, the futures of our societies are also being planned on the basis of "other" values held by social movements engaged in the coproduction of alternatives to capital (cf. Wieviorka 2012). One such example are community currencies (CCs) which have been praised as movements advancing socially equitable and ecologically sustainable de-growth on the basis of post-capitalist economic relations (e.g. Douthwaite 2000). Unfortunately, irrespective of optimistic assertions that the recession lends itself for a paradigm shift from capitalist discourses (cf. Mauerhofer 2013), previous research on CCs (e.g. North 2007) -and commons in general (e.g. Caffentzis 2010) -suggests that they are not inherently anti-capitalist. Bearing this in mind, and given the lack of research on CCs emerging in response to the economic crisis, this study critically assesses the extent to which they constitute post-capitalist commons. Specifically, this paper presents new evidence from the study of the scope and character of CCs developed in recession-laden Greece. Methodologically, it involves the discourse analysis of the rationales for alternative economic activity as these have been documented on the websites of 36 such schemes. Even though aspirations for community building and strengthening of social capital feature in many schemes, the research findings support the notion that CCs are not inherently post-capitalist. Moreover, by concluding on how they are milieus of contradiction (in that schemes are often characterised by both "alternative" and capital values), this study highlights the need for more in-depth, ethnographically-informed research that will shed adequate light to everyday "commoning" within such networks.

"Exploring the new frontiers of sustainable consumption research: The Interaction Ritual Chains dimension of the Social Practice Theory": Talk given at the New Frontiers in Postgraduate Geography session of the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2013

presented to the 'New Frontiers in Postgraduate Geography' session, Postgraduate Forum, RGS-IBG A... more

ICE Report 2.1.2: ICE General Methodology

This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of sm... more This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of smart energy island systems. It is informed by a desk review of the available literature on smart energy islands (see T2.1.1 ICE deliverable report), current thinking in electricity system planning, and the particular challenges facing isolated systems (eg. Ushant). The approach consists of a series of sequential steps and iterations between steps that aim to guide communities through the process of creating a smart energy system. Unique to this approach is the emphasis of fostering local skills, businesses and industry in the delivery of the program with the aim of retaining these long-term benefits within the community. The document lays out the specific considerations of the proposed generic methodology for the isolated system smart energy transition. The conceptual overview of the methodology is presented and the rationale behind this choice of framework is supported. The framework com...

ICE report T2.1.2 - ICE general methodology

This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of sm... more This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of smart energy island systems. It is informed by a desk review of the available literature on smart energy islands (see T2.1.1 ICE deliverable report), current thinking in electricity system planning, and the particular challenges facing isolated systems (eg. Ushant). The approach consists of a series of sequential steps and iterations between steps that aim to guide communities through the process of creating a smart energy system. Unique to this approach is the emphasis of fostering local skills, businesses and industry in the delivery of the program with the aim of retaining these long-term benefits within the community. The document lays out the specific considerations of the proposed generic methodology for the isolated system smart energy transition. The conceptual overview of the methodology is presented and the rationale behind this choice of framework is supported. The framework com...

Sustainability of local renewable energy projects: A comprehensive framework and an empirical analysis on two islands

Sustainable Development, 2022

Local energy projects have been associated with several benefits for the local community like soc... more Local energy projects have been associated with several benefits for the local community like social cohesion, economic gains, new skills, and environmental awareness. Yet, there is limited research on whether the projects fulfill their sustainability promises, and how the local community perceive the benefits. This research introduces a novel framework to assess the success of a local renewable energy project based on the perceptions of the local population and the initial ambitions of the projects. Using this framework two innovative local renewable energy projects are assessed; one in Tilos island in Greece and the other in El Hierro in Spain. An online questionnaire was used to assess the impact of the project on people's lives, their overall assessment of the project and their willingness to support similar future initiatives. The data show that the economic benefits are not significant when people assess the project, while on the contrary other factors like the environmental benefits, sense of pride, technical parameters institutional seem to have a greater effect. The environmental and institutional factors are also among the ones that influence people's willingness to support and participate in future projects. Overall, we reveal that the two projects are quite successful in the eyes of the local population and offer good case studies with several implications for policymakers and future initiatives.

Book review on: G.Hallsmith & B.Lietaer (2011): Creating Wealth – Growing local economies with local currencies, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island-Canada

ICE report T2.1.2 - ICE general methodology

This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of sm... more This document describes a proposed methodological approach to the design and implementation of smart energy island systems. It is informed by a desk review of the available literature on smart energy islands (see T2.1.1 ICE deliverable report), current thinking in electricity system planning, and the particular challenges facing isolated systems (eg. Ushant). The approach consists of a series of sequential steps and iterations between steps that aim to guide communities through the process of creating a smart energy system. Unique to this approach is the emphasis of fostering local skills, businesses and industry in the delivery of the program with the aim of retaining these long-term benefits within the community. The document lays out the specific considerations of the proposed generic methodology for the isolated system smart energy transition. The conceptual overview of the methodology is presented and the rationale behind this choice of framework is supported. The framework com...

Crisis as opportunity? : an ethnographic case-study of the post-capitalist possibilities of crisis community currency movements

A growing body of scholarship suggests that capitalism is not inevitable and that moments of cris... more A growing body of scholarship suggests that capitalism is not inevitable and that moments of crisis provide an opportunity for critique and social transformation. Yet literature on social movements employing direct-action tactics to unmake capitalism and challenge austerity is still lacking. It has neither adequately dealt with non-capitalist practices, nor has it substantiated claims of efficacy in social change. This thesis uses a novel research approach and presents new empirical evidence to deal with these shortcomings. It addresses the timely questions of whether and how these social movements support life despite-yet-beyond the recession. It thinks with, yet beyond, a practice-turn in social movement scholarship to break new ground for literature on non-capitalist practices, alternative economies and social movements. Specifically, the thesis provides a multi-sited ethnographic case-study of three Athenian crisis community currency movements. This informs the first study of co...

The social perspective on island energy transitions: Evidence from the Aegean archipelago

Applied Energy

The social perspective on island energy transitions: Evidence from the Aegean archipelago

Applied Energy

Innovative Energy Islands: Life-Cycle Cost-Benefit Analysis for Battery Energy Storage

Sustainability

Cities are concentrations of economic, social, and technical assets, which are fundamental to add... more Cities are concentrations of economic, social, and technical assets, which are fundamental to addressing climate change challenges. Renewable energy sources are growing fast in cities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in response to these challenges. In this transition urban decentralized energy shares technical and economic characteristics with energy islands. This is reflected in that island energy systems essentially operate off-grid which as a modus operandi can offer lessons to small-scale urban systems. With the expansion of urban areas, communities, especially small-scale ones, are sometimes further away from the main power infrastructure. Providing power supply to these communities would require significant investment to the existing power system, either to improve its grid infrastructure or power supply facilities. The energy islands have for some time now lent themselves to energy innovation including smart grid and battery storage applications. In this research we conc...

The case for islands’ energy vulnerability: Electricity supply diversity in 44 global islands

Renewable Energy

Sustainable energy solutions for the Aegean Archipelago Islands: What is the public attitude?

Energy Procedia

District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective s... more District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat sales. Due to the changed climate conditions and building renovation policies, heat demand in the future could decrease, prolonging the investment return period. The main scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand-outdoor temperature function for heat demand forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665 buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors. The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications (the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered). The value of slope coefficient increased on average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

Bringing innovation to market: business models for battery storage

Energy Procedia

District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective s... more District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat sales. Due to the changed climate conditions and building renovation policies, heat demand in the future could decrease, prolonging the investment return period. The main scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand-outdoor temperature function for heat demand forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665 buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors. The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications (the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered). The value of slope coefficient increased on average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

Public perception of sustainable energy innovation: A case study from Tilos, Greece

Energy Procedia

District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective s... more District heating networks are commonly addressed in the literature as one of the most effective solutions for decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat sales. Due to the changed climate conditions and building renovation policies, heat demand in the future could decrease, prolonging the investment return period. The main scope of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using the heat demand-outdoor temperature function for heat demand forecast. The district of Alvalade, located in Lisbon (Portugal), was used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665 buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district renovation scenarios were developed (shallow, intermediate, deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors. The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications (the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered). The value of slope coefficient increased on average within the range of 3.8% up to 8% per decade, that corresponds to the decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combination of weather and renovation scenarios considered). On the other hand, function intercept increased for 7.8-12.7% per decade (depending on the coupled scenarios). The values suggested could be used to modify the function parameters for the scenarios considered, and improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

The challenges of engaging island communities: Lessons on renewable energy from a review of 17 case studies

Energy Research & Social Science

Lee Gregory (2015), Trading Time: Can Exchange Lead to Social Change? Bristol: Policy Press, £75.00, pp. 212, hbk

Journal of Social Policy, Jan 16, 2017

reviews 413 pioneer in print in setting out such a radical approach across a range of 'research i... more reviews 413 pioneer in print in setting out such a radical approach across a range of 'research interventions'. Critically it examines and demystifies 'the relationships and intersections between research, knowledge construction and political power/legitimacy in society'. As researchers, particularly in higher education, begin to gear up for yet another round of research evaluation (variously known as the Research Excellence Framework or Research Assessment Exercise), a framework increasingly bound by the Holy Trinity of Significance, Rigour and Innovation, this book is a sharp reminder of the absence of political discourse and of the values of social justiceequality, dignity, respect, participation-in most research practice, despite the recent nod in the direction of impact. None of these indicators are fundamentally shaped by the alleged beneficiaries of research which all too often is constrained by the needs of government. As I have found to my cost, when research findings don't chime with government's messages, they tend to be suppressed, manipulated, distorted or simply ignored. There are far too few researchers prepared or able to stay true to the values and politics of social justice: hopefully this elaborate, committed and detailed account will inspire many more to move in that direction.

Book Review: ‘Life Without Money: Building Fair and Sustainable Economies

CRISIS AS OPPORTUNITY

A growing body of scholarship suggests that capitalism is not inevitable and that moments of cris... more A growing body of scholarship suggests that capitalism is not inevitable and that moments of crisis provide an opportunity for critique and social transformation. Yet literature on social movements employing direct-action tactics to unmake capitalism and challenge austerity is still lacking. It has neither adequately dealt with non-capitalist practices, nor has it substantiated claims of efficacy in social change. This thesis uses a novel research approach and presents new empirical evidence to deal with these shortcomings. It addresses the timely questions of whether and how these social movements support life despite-yet-beyond the recession. It thinks with, yet beyond, a practice-turn in social movement scholarship to break new ground for literature on non-capitalist practices, alternative economies and social movements. Specifically, the thesis provides a multi-sited ethnographic case-study of three Athenian crisis community currency movements. This informs the first study of community currencies dealing with the nitty-gritty of practicing the alternative economy. In so doing, it outlines what happens when emancipatory ideas of using alternative currencies to support everyday practices come into contact with the realities of modern-day Athens. It details a process of experimentation, learning-in-practice and contestation that both underlies and undermines the emergence of non-capitalist practices. This approach enables an enlightened response on whether – and how – living despite-yet-beyond austerity is possible. The findings suggest that community currencies are only partly successful in enabling non-capitalist practices. And yet, the research uncovers a side of Athens as a crucible of creative resistance that would otherwise go unnoticed. If this is accepted, the thesis concludes with a novel conceptual model and an agenda for future research on non-capitalism. This will play-out both to the benefit of scholarship and society alike, as it promises to conceptually advance the field and to further corroborate the non-capitalist imaginary – enhancing faith in alternatives to austerity and capitalism.