Need and options for a regenerative energy supply in holiday facilities

Today, there is a general consensus on the existence of an anthropogenic increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the necessity of measures to tackle the resulting climate change. The tourism industry as a fast growing sector should to do its bit, too, especially since it is already affected by climate change itself. The following article presents an option for mitigating climate change by reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities in holiday resorts. It shows how holiday facilities can be supplied with different commodities like electricity, water, etc. without release of greenhouse gases. The energy originates from wind and the sun and is stored in the form of hydrogen when necessary. The benefits of such supply schemes are manifold. Apart from the CO2 emission free energy provision and other positive external effects can be realised, the marketing position can be strengthened and finally the basis of tourism industry itself can be sustained. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.