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Clean energy for EU islands
27 August 2024

The Follower Islands programme: a new call from the Clean energy for EU islands Secretariat as part of the "30 for 2030" Initiative

Visual of Follower Islands Programme

What is a Follower Island?

A Follower Island is an island committed to starting or enhancing its decarbonisation trajectory by learning from and adopting the successful practices implemented by the pioneering "30 for 2030" islands. Starting from different levels of progress and development, Follower Islands are islands that want to accelerate their energy transition and are interested in getting the most out of the 30 for 2030 initiative.

Why become a Follower Island?

Joining the ranks of Follower Islands offers numerous benefits. Follower Islands gain access to specialised capacity-building activities delivered by the Secretariat's team of experts on topics critical to their energy transition. They engage closely with the "30 for 2030" islands, benefiting from experience sharing, best practices, and direct interaction with peers leading the way in sustainable energy. Moreover, Follower Islands receive direct consultations from the Secretariat's experts on selected projects, tailored to their unique needs.

How to become a Follower Island?

In September 2024, the Secretariat will launch a call inviting islands to apply to become Follower Islands. While individual applications from island local authorities are welcome, submissions involving multiple stakeholders are strongly encouraged. Applicants will be asked to select learning topics for participation in capacity-building activities, present their energy plans and visions for expert assessment and enhancement, and choose one project to receive peer-to-peer coaching from experienced islands.

Activities for Follower Islands

The activities for Follower Islands will be tailored to the preferences indicated during the application process. These include participating in capacity-building activities on selected topics, engaging in energy planning and vision-making sessions, and receiving peer-to-peer coaching on a project of their choice. Additionally, Follower Islands will gain access to a comprehensive knowledge-sharing platform, filled with valuable resources from both current and past initiatives.

Background: The “30 for 2030” Initiative

The aim of the third phase of the CE4EUI secretariat is to provide technical support to 30 islands or groups of islands for three years, to propel them towards the ambitious target of achieving complete energy independence through 100% renewable sources by 2030. The Secretariat assists EU islands in devising, preparing, and implementing decarbonisation plans for their energy systems. It will strive to extend technical and organisational support to ensure comprehensive guidance in this journey. You can find all the selected islands here on our website Islands | Clean energy for EU islands (europa.eu) and a news item about the call here.

Stay tuned for the launch of the Follower Islands Call, subscribe to the EU islands secretariat’s newsletter ENERGY - Newsroom Subscription Form (europa.eu) and follow us on social media Clean energy for EU islands | FacebookClean energy for EU islands | LinkedIn