The islands of Giglio and Giannutri have reached an important milestone in their clean energy journey with the publication of the Clean Energy Transition Agenda, a strategic roadmap that outlines a shared vision for decarbonisation and sustainable energy development.
Developed within the framework of the Clean energy for EU islands secretariat's 30 renewable islands for 2030 programme, the Agenda was led by the Municipality of Isola del Giglio, with technical support from the MOREnergy Lab of Politecnico di Torino, the Italian Regional Partner of the Secretariat. The process also benefited from the active contribution of local stakeholders, including Maregiglio and Acquedotto del Fiora, whose expertise helped shape the document.
The Agenda provides a comprehensive assessment of the islands' energy system, analyses local renewable energy potential and explores different energy transition scenarios to support future planning. By connecting technical analyses with local priorities, it establishes a shared strategic framework to guide the islands' transition towards a more resilient and sustainable energy system.
For the Municipality of Isola del Giglio, the publication of the Agenda opens a new phase in the islands' clean energy transition, moving from strategic planning towards implementation.
Riccardo Malpassi, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Municipality of Isola del Giglio, commented: “The development of the Clean Energy Transition Agenda within the framework of the 30 Renewable Islands for 2030 programme has demonstrated the value of close collaboration between local administrations and universities. For island territories, where environmental, technical and regulatory challenges are closely interconnected, combining scientific expertise with local knowledge is essential to build informed and realistic transition pathways. The Agenda provides the Municipality with an important strategic tool for planning the future energy development of Giglio and Giannutri. As the first comprehensive assessment of the islands' energy system, it establishes a shared technical and strategic reference that will support dialogue with institutions, infrastructure operators and local stakeholders, helping to guide future decisions and facilitate the implementation of the clean energy transition.”
The publication of the Agenda also highlights the value of the Clean Energy Transition Agenda as a practical framework for island communities participating in the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat's 30 Renewable Islands for 2030 programme.
Martina Cannata, representing the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat, emphasised:
“The Clean Energy Transition Agenda offers island communities a structured framework for turning long-term ambitions into locally owned transition pathways. Giglio and Giannutri demonstrate how this approach can be embraced and adapted to build a shared vision for the future.”
The Municipality was supported throughout the development of the Agenda by the MOREnergy Lab, the Italian Regional Partner of the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat. Giuliana Mattiazzo, Coordinator of the Research Center, said:
“For small islands, the clean energy transition cannot be addressed as a series of individual interventions; it requires a place-based, shared, and data-driven vision. The Clean Energy Transition Agenda for Giglio and Giannutri moves in this direction by providing a practical planning tool that brings together energy, infrastructure, essential services, and local specificities. The work carried out together with the Municipality of Isola del Giglio, and involving key local stakeholders such as Maregiglio and Acquedotto del Fiora, confirms the importance of a cross-sectoral approach capable of integrating technical expertise, institutional responsibility, and first-hand knowledge of local services. As the MOREnergy Lab and the Energy Center of Politecnico di Torino, in our role as the Italian Regional Partner of the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat, we are pleased to have accompanied Giglio and Giannutri throughout this process, helping to establish a solid technical and strategic foundation for future decarbonisation actions.”
The development of the Agenda also benefited from the involvement of local stakeholders, whose experience and knowledge of the islands contributed to the overall transition planning process.
Gaia Rum, marketing manager at Maregiglio, highlighted: “As a member of the island's Transition Team, recognising the value of the Agenda as a shared framework that can support future discussions and initiatives for the sustainable development of Giglio and Giannutri, I would like to add that it will be a valuable tool for serious planning regarding the development of island maritime transport and the renewal or efficiency-enhancement of the fleets. This is an indispensable asset for island life, and an essential service for the inhabitants and the economic development of the territory.”
Roberto Renai, President of Acquedotto del Fiora, noted:
“Water production and desalination are one of the most energy-intensive services on small islands like Giglio and Giannutri. Recognising their role within the broader energy system is an important step to effective long-term decarbonization. In small islands, the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy system requires an overall vision and a comprehensive and shared strategy that involves all stakeholders to provide their contribution towards this common goal. We work together for the well-being of the community and the territory."
The publication of the Agenda marks the beginning of the next phase: translating the proposed actions into concrete projects that will strengthen energy resilience, reduce emissions and improve the long-term sustainability of life on Giglio and Giannutri.
You can read the full report here Clean Energy Transition Agenda: Giglio and Giannutri