This lecture explores the challenges and innovations in different isolated power systems, from Earthly archipelagos to reasonable Martian colonies. By linking real-world applications with forward-looking research, we aim to widen our perspective and see how lessons from Earth’s islands can inform resilient energy solutions for the future, both on our planet and beyond.
Case studies from Cape Verde serve to examine planning and operational challenges of a developing country with extremely ambitious decarbonization goals. From the US Virgin Islands we learn about post-hurricane grid restoration. We continue exploring integrated energy systems by turning an eye on the nexus between water, electricity, and heat. Expanding beyond Earth, we analyze the energy needs of a Martian settlement, addressing other questions such as redundancy, reliability, and technology selection. In the end, we’ll see that all of these examples share large similarities.