CTO Assessment - European Commission

GOTLAND
A Renewable Energy Island
in the Baltic Sea
Contact: Keith Boxer • Municipality of Gotland o Box 2067
62156 Visby o Sweden • Tel.: 46-498-38380 • Fax: 46-498-38300
E-mail: keith.boxer@telia.com • website: www.gotland.se
Gotland is located in the middle of the Baltic
Sea; it is the largest Swedish island. High costs
for transports of energy, goods and people
have contributed to a non-dynamic growth of
the local economy.
The island has a large RES potential in wind,
biomass and, to some extent, solar energy.
Island's energy strategy has to be considered
within a broader sustainable development
framework: on 14th October, 1996 the Municipal
Council of Gotland published the Eco-
Programme, which identifies the Municipalities'
goal that "Gotland is to become an ecologically
sustainable society within the course
of one generation".
Main aims and motivations
The target of achieving 100% renewable energy
balance by 2025 has arisen from the
Municipalities plans to achieve a sustainable
society within the course of a generation. The
advantage of having a long-term plan with a
specific year is that other planning which involves
the production of short-term plans can
become a part of the overall objective.
To achieve an increase in the use of renewable
energy on Gotland with the aim of reaching
100% requires an active involvement from all
sectors of society.
What has been achieved?
An energy plan has been produced outlining
development to 2005. In this plan
the target is 40% from sustainable energy
sources by 2005. A plan for 100%
for renewables by 2025 is now
underway.
95% of the Island's district heating plant
is supplied by renewable energy.
20% of the Island's electricity comes
from renewables.
Bio-climatic, sustainable buildings are
being built.
Widespread energy saving measures are
being implemented.
Heating systems are being converted to
biomass and solar energy.
Bio-diesel is replacing fossil fuels in
municipal fleets.
The use of fuel-cells as part of a solarhydrogen
transport system is being developed
for Visby.
Main innovative aspects
The most outstanding aspect is the establishment
of a long-term plan for energy sustainability,
with a wide participation range (sme's,
university, local authorities, regional energy
agency and local utility). An important complementary
measure is the introduction of
green certificates in the beginning of 2003.
Enabling factors
The Municipality of Gotland has shown in a
number of plans and decisions that its aim is
to support sustainable development.
Other relevant factors:
National financial support for local energy
management agencies.
10% capital grants for windpower developments
and power purchase support.
Support for municipal energy advisors.
25% capital grant to domestic solar
heating/hw systems.
Grants for solar heating on public buildings
and grants to convert domestic heating
from electrical based systems.
Max. Objective (2025)
Challenges
Grid infrastructure: Grid connection has
been restructured to allow export.
Government policy: The establishment of
bio-ethanol production depends on governmental
taxation system for fuels.
Low energy prices: cheap nuclear and
hydropower via sea cable from mainland.
Acceptance of wind power: public resistance
from, e.g. summer-house owners provides
a challenge for the democratic process
to fulfil all the potential of wind power
on and around Gotland.
Replication Potential
During five years a large number of other
island representatives visited the island,
because of their interest in Gotland's
project. There have been approaches at an
international level due to the publicity received
by the CTO website and CTO-award,
with visits from as far afield as Japan and
even Australia.
Change in perception of implementing
RES projects (1999 - 2003)
Interest in replacing fossil fuels is increasing
among the general public.
Acceptance of wind power by the local population
is to a great extent influenced by
whether or not some form
Achieved
Solar TH- PV 3MWp/15,000m 2 52 m 2
Wind
Max. Plan 1,100 MW
Private owned 50 MW 10MW
Small Com. WF 150 MW 30MW
Small Com. WF 500 MW 30MW
Utility Owned 400 MW 20MW
Biomass
Combined HP 150GWh/30MW 0
Dwelling 10,000/400GWh 5,150/200 GWh
Biogas 25/400GWh 3/12 GWh
Biofuels 24,000 tons 0
Number of jobs created: 45
Res Increase 18 %
Reduction of CO 2 :295 kton
of local benefit occurs as
a result of any developments.
Politicians and civil servants
have been informed
about the ambitious energy
and environmental
targets already set. Technicians
in the municipalities
property department
have been trained.
70 CTO - Showcase