Island facts
The island is one of seven that form the Tuscan Archipelago, lying within the Arcipelago Toscano National Park. Giglio means "lily" in Italian, and though the name would appear consistent with the insignia of Medici Florence, it originally derives from the Latin name of the island, Igilium.
The island is separated by a 16 km (10 mi) stretch of sea from the nearest point of the mainland, the promontory of Monte Argentario. Mainly mountainous, it consists almost entirely of granite, culminating in the Poggio della Pagana, which rises to 496 m (1,627 ft). Ninety per cent of its surface is covered by Mediterranean vegetation, alternating with large pine forests and numerous vineyards which allow the production of the local "Ansonaco" wine.
Evaluating renewable energy sources is crucial for the island's energy shift, given its heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Given the limited photovoltaic capacity per person, exploring new installations is vital to enhance the islands' sustainability. Alongside renewable energy assessments, ensuring grid stability is essential for a smooth integration of renewable sources into the electricity mix, while efficient coupling with storage facilities is equally imperative. Italian islands encounter a challenging situation where EU and Italian policies advocate for renewable energy, yet investments in this sector are halted due to authorization issues at the National or Regional Level.
As part of the 30 for 2030 call the following activities are planned:
The first activity is a feasibility study for the use of hydrogen and biofuels in hybrid ferries. This study will evaluate the feasibility and financing options for converting existing hybrid ferries to utilize hydrogen and biofuels. It will also address the necessary adaptations to the infrastructure and examine the supply chain for these fuels, ensuring that all logistical considerations are accounted for.
The second activity involves reviewing the draft Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that the MOREnergy Lab will develop. This review will ensure that the draft aligns with the objectives and requirements of the stakeholders involved.
The third activity focuses on creating a feasibility study for renewable energy sources (RES). This will involve developing technical plans for the deployment of renewable energy as identified in the CETA, ensuring that the plans are actionable and aligned with regulatory standards.
Finally, a grid integration and storage study will be conducted, although the specific details of this study are yet to be defined and will depend on input from the distribution system operator (DSO). This study will be crucial for understanding how to effectively integrate renewable energy into the existing grid while ensuring adequate storage solutions are in place.
Plese note that the island of Giglio has jointly applied for the 30 for 2030 call with Giannutri | Clean energy for EU islands (europa.eu).