The Clean energy for EU islands forum 2025 gathered participants from more than 45 islands at the Octant Hotel in São Miguel, Azores, to explore how islands can balance environmental, social, and economic priorities on the path to 100% renewable energy.
The EU islands forum in a nutshell
- 138 participants attended the on-site event over the two days at the Octan Hotel in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel
- 369 participants watched in the live stream & the recordings;
- 30 speakers;
- 4 Breakout sessions covering a range of technical topics, as well as financial and sustainability discussions;
- 16 presentations and panel discussions
- 279 registered participants
- 2 site visits to the Pico Vermelho Geothermal Power Plant and Caldeirão Battery Energy Storage System
Day 1
Day 1 focused on showcasing island achievements and strategies. Opening remarks from the European Commission and the Clean energy for EU islands secretariat emphasised the need for stronger island grid capacity and innovation leadership. The Azores presented impressive progress, with São Miguel reaching 44.5% renewable energy and Graciosa 60%. Keynote speaker Prof. João Abel Peças Lopes highlighted the role of electric vehicles and storage in grid integration. Breakout sessions explored renewable energy generation, sustainable transport, and regulatory frameworks, while site visits offered a firsthand look at São Miguel’s geothermal and battery storage infrastructure.
Day 2
Day 2 turned to financing, energy efficiency, and infrastructure. Experts stressed the importance of bankable business models, local financing partnerships, and project aggregation. Discussions on sustainable transport and energy efficiency highlighted the need for education, skilled labour, and community engagement. Grid modernisation emerged as a top priority, with calls for public investment, digitalisation, and local capacity building.
The forum concluded with a strong message: Europe’s islands are not just adapting to the energy transition—they are leading it.