Session: Business plans and financing schemes for clean energy projects
This session focused on the financial dimension of clean energy projects. Experts emphasised the importance of strong business cases, risk management, and transparency. The EU Islands Marketplace was highlighted as a key tool for connecting projects with investors, particularly for smaller-scale initiatives.
Speakers recommended working with local banks familiar with energy legislation and aggregating small projects to improve bankability. Training for banks and engineers was proposed to bridge knowledge gaps in emerging technologies. Regulatory stability, price certainty, and infrastructure readiness were identified as essential for financing success.
Breakout session #1: Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency emerged as a top priority for islands. The session focused on retrofitting buildings with insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and smart controls. Speakers noted challenges such as contractor shortages, high upfront costs, and heritage protection constraints.
Solutions included project aggregation, local training programs, and scholarships to build a skilled workforce. Energy efficiency was framed as a cost-effective, empowering strategy for island communities, offering immediate benefits in terms of lower energy bills and emissions.
Breakout session #2: Infrastructure and grids
The final session addressed the urgent need to modernise island grids. Speakers called for investments in grid expansion, interconnections, digitalisation, and energy storage. Public funding was deemed essential, as many grid projects are not commercially viable.
Flexibility, consumer engagement, and strategic planning were identified as key enablers of successful grid transformation. The session concluded with a call for coordinated action to ensure that island grids can support high shares of renewable energy while maintaining reliability and affordability.
