Investigation of capabilities for optimal exploitation of water and energy recouces of Thessaly region

This master thesis project studies combined water and renewable energy management, aiming to satisfy energy and water demand of the study area in the most efficient way. The purpose is that the needs are met within the boundaries of the study area, since the region is considered a closed and autonomous system. Environmental sustainability is an important issue for this study, so the ecological flow demand is also taken into account and is calculated using methods of Environmental Economics. The storing potential of the excess of renewable energy in pumped storage stations has been utilized to link water and energy. The case study area is Thessaly including the water basin of Acheloos, with respect to the project of partial diversion of Acheloos in Pinios’ water basin. Water resources in the area include surface and underground waters, and related recovery projects (reservoirs, boreholes, aqueducts, etc.). Correspondingly, energy resources refer to three sources of renewable energy: (a) large-scale hydroelectric projects, existing and studied under similar management studies relating to the use of water Acheloos resources, (b) wind parks, and (c) of photovoltaic projects systems.