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Case Study: Green Lodges

Summary

The aim of this project is the introduction and dissemination of RES heat and electricity applications and micro CHP systems in rural lodges. The lodges are located in areas with high environmental value so, the use of these technologies has a high interest to get environmental benefits, becoming a factor to foster the use of RES among guests. The targeted audiences are the owners of the lodges and the guests, but also suppliers, technicians etc.

The profile of energy demand of rural lodges in eight EU regions was analysed to find the most appropriate RES based system that can cover their demand. The eight regions directly involved in the project are: Asturias and Jaen, Spain (Agener, Enernalon, Besel); Walloon, Belgium (ICEDD); Greece (CRES); French Alps, France (Prioriterre), Austria (Austrian Energy Agency); Emilia Romagna, Italy (Aster); and Entre Douro e Vouga, Portugal (EDV Energia).

During the project 80 energy audits were done, 10 per region. It was also created a data base with the suppliers of equipment, installation and maintenance of RES and micro CHP systems. In most of the cases, it was concluded that although the micro CHP systems give a great technical result, economically they are not so viable without more financial supports.

Results

The economic evaluation includes a comparison of the €existing€ micro CHP system consisting of the micro CHP unit and an oil boiler to cover the peak loads with an alternative energy system. For the alternative energy system a low temperature oil boiler with a thermal output of 66 [kW] is taken into account.

The different cost positions and the total revenue are represented by the figure below showing clear advantages for the "existing" micro CHP system.

Profitability calculation of existing micro CHP system in comparison with an alternative energy system

The payback period for the investment in the installed micro CHP system is 7,2 years.

Green Lodges is a project co-financed by the European Union within the frame of the Intelligent Energy for Europe Programme, Contract number: EIE/04/252/S07.38608. The development of this project is being carried out simultaneously in seven European countries by nine different organizations.

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