Tilos: A pioneer island in energy storage and zero-waste management 

The Greek Island of Tilos has become a leading European example of sustainable innovation. Once solely reliant on electricity produced at the thermal power plant on the neighbouring island of Kos, Tilos now operates one of Europe’s first hybrid renewable microgrids, combining solar and wind generation, advanced battery storage, and smart grid management. Since 2022, Tilos has been virtually a zero-waste island through the implementation of a circular approach to waste management focused on reusing, sorting and recycling.  

The Tilos hybrid energy station, solar, wind, and battery storage 

At the core of the island’s transition is its hybrid energy station, the first of its kind in Greece, developed under the Horizon 2020 TILOS project. The system integrates an 800 kW wind turbine, a 160 kWp solar PV field, an 800 kW / 2 800 kWh battery storage system, and advanced smart-grid and demand-response management, including smart meters, real-time forecasting and intelligent scheduling. Together with additional municipal PV capacity (11 kW) and new municipal solar (49,7 kWp) operating under the virtual net-metering scheme and expected to generate ~80 MWh annually, Tilos can meet most of its electricity needs, reaching full renewable coverage during the low-demand winter months. The batteries store excess energy, stabilise fluctuations, and maintain supply even when the submarine cable to the Kos–Kalymnos grid is offline; surplus green energy can be exported to the regional grid. 

Electrification of the municipal transport sector 

As part of its transition, the Municipality allocated 1 million EUR in national funds to procure five electric vehicles (EVs) for waste collection, general municipal services (repairs, technical works, etc.), and public transport, and installed one fast charger and four wall-mounted EV charging points. 

Tilos just go zero: a circular approach 

Through the Just Go Zero programme, the island reached 90% recovered materials with no landfill and no public dustbin, 20% total waste reduction and 30% plastic waste reduction. Full at-source separation and door-to-door collection classify waste into four main streams: organic waste is composted into fertiliser; recyclables are sorted, packaged and sent for recycling; special waste currents (e.g., appliances and fabrics) are composted or upcycled for reuse; non-recyclables are processed for waste-to-energy conversion. This circular approach also created 10 permanent and seasonal jobs. 

Socioeconomic and environmental benefits 

Energy security has improved significantly, with blackouts, once common under diesel-based systems, now largely eliminated. Economic resilience has increased through reduced dependence on volatile fuel markets. Modernised public infrastructure includes the EV fleet and charging network, smart street lighting, and energy-efficient municipal buildings. Sustainable tourism has grown, drawing visitors interested in low-impact travel. Community sensibilisation and engagement campaigns have ensured local buy-in, enabling residents and local authorities to actively participate in planning and decision-making. 

Future pathways and ongoing innovation 

Building on its pioneering achievements in renewable energy, green mobility and circular economy, Tilos, with DAFNI’s active support, continues to advance its sustainability journey, participating in key European and national initiatives 

More specifically: 

• Through HiHELIOS (Demonstrating A High-Energy and High-Power Hybrid Battery Storage Solutions Platform for Multiple Grid Services), a project funded by Horizon Europe, next-generation hybrid Battery Energy Storage Systems will be deployed from DAFNI in Tilos, increasing energy security, grid stability and flexibility, contributing to the island’s full decarbonisation. 

• Through ISLET (Innovative Supporting Schemes for Community-Led Energy Transition), co-funded through the EU LIFE programme, Tilos receives support from DAFNI to establish a Renewable Energy Communities (REC) with the participation of local businesses and citizens, spearheaded by the Municipality.  

• In the frame of the GReco Islands, a national initiative promoting Greek islands as lighthouse sustainable destinations, Tilos is developing, with DAFNI’s support, its holistic Local Action Plan.  Tilos’ vision is to further the island’s innovation actions in the fields of clean energy and digital transition, water and waste management, while promoting sustainable entrepreneurship, but also securing affordable housing and social services for all. 

Today, Tilos stands as a holistic model of community-driven sustainable destination and a blueprint for islands seeking to enhance circularity and move away from fossil fuel dependency.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!