Astypalaia was chosen 3 years ago for a pioneering project, the responsibility for the implementation of which was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and specifically the Deputy Minister for Economic Diplomacy, Kostas Fragogiannis, with the aim of turning it into a model island for climate-neutral mobility. This ambitious program, under the name “Astypalaia – Smart and Sustainable Island”, is already in its third year of implementation and seeks to transform it into an example of green mobility and sustainable development. For the first time since the start of the project from the nested cityhub we reveal the results of this pioneering project.
Pillar 1: Electrification & Sustainable Mobility
The aim is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality on the island. So far, important steps have been achieved:
- 8 local electric utility vehicles have been delivered, including the country’s first electric police car and ambulance.
- The replacement of internal combustion vehicles with electric ones is progressing rapidly, with more than 150 electric vehicles already on the island.
- The subsidy program supporting the purchase of electric vehicles has helped to increase the number of electric passenger vehicles, with more than 2 out of 3 new vehicles launched in 2023 being pure electric.
- To charge electric vehicles, 10 public chargers with 20 charging points, a fast charger for the electric ambulance, as well as 18 private wallbox type chargers have been installed.
Pillar 2: Smart Mobility & Innovative Transport Services
The second pillar of the program focuses on smart mobility and innovative transport services.
- AstyMove: This application, which promotes ecological movement, has won the trust of the island’s residents and visitors. Since its inception, more than 390,000 kilometers have been driven in electric vehicles, preventing the emission of approximately 46.8 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
- AstyBus: AstyBus routes have increased by 83% in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023, reaching 7,759 routes. Also, vehicle kilometers traveled increased from 37,220 in the first half of 2023 to 49,206 in 2024.
- AstyGo: The vehicle sharing service “AstyGo” offered the possibility of using electric cars, electric scooters and electric bicycles. In 2023, nearly 900 uses were recorded during the summer months, an 84% increase over 2022.
Pillar 3: Renewable Energy & Charging
The third pillar focuses on the production of energy from renewable sources and the storage of this energy.
- From 2024, the hybrid energy system with photovoltaics and energy storage will cover approximately 60% of the island’s total energy demand and 100% of electric vehicle charging needs. This percentage is expected to increase to 80% by 2026, with an estimated annual cost saving of €325,000.
- The installation of photovoltaic systems will cover a significant part of the island’s energy needs.
- The use of energy storage technologies, such as large-scale batteries, is envisaged to ensure a stable energy supply.
A New Era for Astypalaia
The success of the project makes Astypalaia a model island for climate-neutral mobility, paving the way for a sustainable and ecologically conscious life both in Greece and internationally.
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