The purpose of this study was to investigate the climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptive capacity of the electrical energy sector in Cyprus. Spatial vulnerability of the island was assessed using the degree-day indicator to investigate heating and cooling demands in the near future using daily temperature projections from regional climate models (RCMs). Using daily electrical energy consumption data for the present climate, an impact model linking consumption and temperature was constructed and this relationship was projected to the future climate using the data from the RCMs and assuming the same technology use. Our impact model results showed that for the period between November and April (‘cold period’), a decreasing trend in electrical energy consumption is evident due to warmer conditions in the near future, while for the period between May and October (‘warm period’), an increasing trend in electricity consumption is evident as warmer conditions dominate by 2050. Regarding the spatial vulnerability assessment, the cooling degree-day indicator testified that major increases in cooling demand, between 100 and 200 degree-days, are expected in inland and southern regions during the summer in the near future. In addition, increases of about 20–50 degree-days are anticipated during autumn. Conversely, energy demand for heating is projected to decrease during spring and winter, especially in the higher elevation parts of the island. More precisely, reductions of about 30–75 degree-days are projected during spring, while greater reductions of about 60–90 degree-days are expected during winter in heating demand, especially for in the near future. The ability of the energy sector to adapt and follow these changes was deemed to be satisfactory reducing the overall vulnerability of the sector to future climate change.

Abstract: Desalination comprises a non-conventional water resource practice that is currently gaining importance internationally for filling the gap in the water balance. Even though it is a well proven technique, it is associated with certain economic considerations (high energy consumption) and environmental concerns regarding brine management: around 2 L of wastewater are generated for every liter of freshwater produced. The high concentration of salts in this wastewater can create serious disposal problems. The SOL-BRINE project sought to eliminate water pollution and environmental damage associated with brine release, by introducing a new technique capable of achieving zero liquid discharge from desalination plants. The demonstration plant that is presented in this paper was installed at Agios Fokas area, Tinos Island in Greece in October 2012 and has been operated regularly since January 2013. The plant has the capacity to treat over 200 tons of brine per year.

Abstract: In this paper, the design of a novel multi-effect distillation system is described for the concentration of the brine effluent produced from desalination plants. The evaporation process was simulated through the use of a software tool that was developed for the brine treatment process. The results and the simulator tool are also discussed in the paper. The evaporator unit comprises the first treatment stage of a pilot system that was developed in the framework of the SOL-BRINE project. The system is based on the zero liquid discharge principle and is operated through the use of renewable sources and, in particular, solar energy. The system has been installed in Tinos Island, Greece and is operating regularly since January 2013.