A pioneering project for the transformation of Astypalea into the first smart and green Mediterranean Island, which will have energy autonomy, has been agreed and implemented by the Greek Government, the Volkswagen Group and the Municipality of Astypalea, with Mayor Nikos Komineas.
- the project includes three main axes, specifically:
- the gradual replacement of conventional private and public use vehicles on the island with electric ones,
- the introduction of innovative transport and transportation services, as well as
- the production of energy from RES, without a negative ecological footprint, in replacement of the current oil generators.
It is also based on three pillars:
- electric drive that includes gradual replacement of all private and public use vehicles
- new transportation services concerning public transport and custom transport services and
- independence on fossil fuels through a hybrid RES system
The duration of the project has at first, an implementation planning of six years. Greece, through this project shows its readiness to become an international pole of attraction for investments related to smart sustainability and the electromobility sector.
Project description
The “Smart and Sustainable Island” project will be implemented for the first time on an Aegean island and that will turn Astypalea into a model for electromobility, new transportation services, and energy autonomy through a hybrid RES electrification system.
The purpose of the Memorandum of Cooperation is to transform an Aegean island into a “green and sustainable island” and to implement an integrated plan for transportation by electric vehicles, introduction of innovative custom transport services, promotion of RES use and testing of new technologies in autonomous driving.
The main focus of the project is a completely new, advanced transportation system that includes:
- Iincentives to replace conventional vehicles with electric ones through a funding program. In total, about 1,000 electric vehicles are set to replace about 1,500 vehicles with internal combustion engines.
- public vehicles as well as public utility vehicles on the island – police, National Emergency Center and public sector vehicles – which will be replaced by electric ones with the help of the Volkswagen Group
- necessary infrastructure works for the implementation of an integrated vehicle charging network
- custom public transport services, through digital applications, which will provide to residents and visitors more freedom of movement
- sharing services for vehicles, e-mopeds and e-bikes that citizens can use at any time of the day.
Hellenic Republic will ensure the existence of quality road infrastructure, excellent signage and adequate data regarding traffic and weather conditions, in order to ensure safe and inclusive transport, which will ultimately lead to autonomous driving.