On 22 September 2017, the European Commission, together with high-level representatives from EU Member States and island regions, hosted the Inaugural Clean Energy for EU Islands Forum in Chania, Crete (Greece). The event brought together policymakers, industry representatives, financial institutions and research organisations to launch a common dialogue on the clean energy transition of Europe’s islands.
The Forum in a nutshell
Held at the Centre of Mediterranean Architecture in Chania, the Forum provided a platform to exchange knowledge, showcase best practices and explore pathways towards the decarbonisation of EU islands. Discussions focused on current and future initiatives supporting clean energy deployment, as well as financing mechanisms and investment opportunities enabling the transition.
The programme featured high-level opening remarks, followed by thematic sessions addressing the decarbonisation of islands and the role of the European Islands Initiative. Dedicated discussions also explored financing solutions, highlighting the importance of public and private investment in accelerating sustainable energy systems.
Two interactive roundtables showcased practical experiences and innovative approaches from both large and small islands, covering renewable energy, energy efficiency, and research and innovation.
The key conclusion: EU islands possess strong potential to lead Europe’s clean energy transition by implementing innovative solutions and sharing best practices. Strengthening cooperation between stakeholders will be essential to unlocking this potential and advancing the transition towards sustainable, resilient island energy systems.
Agenda & Slides
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DAY 1 | 22 September 2017
Program details
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09:30 - 10:00
Registration
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10:00 – 11:00
Opening session
Dominique Ristori | Alexis Tsipras | Miguel Arias Cañete | Joe Mizzi | Maria Spyraki | Pierre Jean Coulon | Stavros Arnaoutakis
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11:00 - 11:30
Coffee break
Giorgos Stathakis | Dominique Ristori | Nektarios Santorinios | Marie Antoinette Maupertuis | Adrián Mendoza Grimón | Rui Bettencourt | Elizabeth Press | Kostas Komninos
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11:30 – 12:45
Decarbonising EU islands
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12:45 - 13:30
Financing the decarbonization of EU islands
Alessandro Boschi, Head of Renewables Division, European Investment Bank | Ronald Hall, Principal Advisor, Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission
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13:30 - 15:00
Lunch break
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15:00 – 17:30
Roundtables with best practices 1
Megan Richards | Teresa Luis Ruiz | Laurent Schmitt | Eduardo Maldonado | Eric Scotto | Barry O’Connell | Alberto Ponti | Juan Pedro Sánchez | Iván Pineda | Savvas Seimanidis | Christian Buchel
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15:00 – 17:30
Roundtables with best practices 2
Mechthild Wörsdörfer | John Kaldellis | Didier Lhuillier | Rune Schmidt | Julien Marchal | Gillian Hurding | Gianni Chianetta | James Watson | Marcelo Masera | Ilias Monacholias
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17:30 – 17:45
Closing
Dominique Ristori, Director-General for Energy, European Commission
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20:00 – 22:00
European Islands Presidents’ Gala Dinner
DAY 1 | 22 September 2017
Program details
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09:30 - 10:00Registration
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10:00 – 11:00Opening sessionDominique Ristori | Alexis Tsipras | Miguel Arias Cañete | Joe Mizzi | Maria Spyraki | Pierre Jean Coulon | Stavros Arnaoutakis
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11:00 - 11:30Coffee breakGiorgos Stathakis | Dominique Ristori | Nektarios Santorinios | Marie Antoinette Maupertuis | Adrián Mendoza Grimón | Rui Bettencourt | Elizabeth Press | Kostas Komninos
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11:30 – 12:45Decarbonising EU islands
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12:45 - 13:30Financing the decarbonization of EU islandsAlessandro Boschi, Head of Renewables Division, European Investment Bank | Ronald Hall, Principal Advisor, Directorate General for Regional Policy, European Commission
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13:30 - 15:00Lunch break
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15:00 – 17:30Roundtables with best practices 1Megan Richards | Teresa Luis Ruiz | Laurent Schmitt | Eduardo Maldonado | Eric Scotto | Barry O’Connell | Alberto Ponti | Juan Pedro Sánchez | Iván Pineda | Savvas Seimanidis | Christian Buchel
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15:00 – 17:30Roundtables with best practices 2Mechthild Wörsdörfer | John Kaldellis | Didier Lhuillier | Rune Schmidt | Julien Marchal | Gillian Hurding | Gianni Chianetta | James Watson | Marcelo Masera | Ilias Monacholias
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17:30 – 17:45ClosingDominique Ristori, Director-General for Energy, European Commission
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20:00 – 22:00European Islands Presidents’ Gala Dinner