The Aeolian archipelago is made up of seven main islands situated in the Tyrrhenian sea (Sicily Italy). They represent a suitable scenario for the development of a sustainable energy production system, that could easily be reproduced on other Mediterranean Islands. The fact that these islands depend on the mainland for energy supplies and the high cost of bringing fuel in tanker boats are factors that should strongly encourage the use of renewable energy source technologies. Taking into account the European Commission guidelines, this paper sets out to evaluate potential energy production using photovoltaic and small scale wind power, in order to verify their contribution to overall estimated energy requirements. The estimate of energy productivity was preceded by a study concerning the management measures in force in the Aeolian Islands in order to formulate technical hypotheses in accordance with natural and cultural values protection. The homogeneity of climatic conditions on the seven islands and the similarity of their economies allowed to focus the analysis on the island of Salina. In this way, a whole year's productivity was calculated, with particular attention to the period June September, when the arrival of tourists brings about a surge in energy consumption. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.