Two new technical assistance reports published under the Clean energy for EU islands initiative highlight how targeted, place-based analysis can help island communities accelerate their clean energy transition, tackling both the supply and demand side.
On Öland, Sweden, the report GIS mapping of the PV potential in Mörbylånga provides a detailed, municipality-wide assessment of solar photovoltaic deployment opportunities. Using geographic information system (GIS) analysis, the study evaluates the potential for both ground‑mounted solar parks and rooftop PV installations, while carefully accounting for environmental, cultural and technical constraints. Two development scenarios are explored, illustrating how different levels of protection for cultural heritage areas influence the overall solar potential.
The results show that even when stringent constraints are applied, significant photovoltaic capacity could be developed close to existing grid infrastructure. In parallel, the assessment of rooftop PV demonstrates that residential buildings and their complementary structures represent a major opportunity for decentralised solar generation, supporting local energy autonomy and municipal planning processes.
In Ireland, the Feasibility Study for the Energy‑Efficient Refurbishment of the Local Building Stock on Cape Clear Island focuses on reducing energy demand through the deep renovation of residential buildings. The study analyses representative housing archetypes on the island, covering both permanently occupied homes and seasonal tourist accommodation, and evaluates packages of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. These include building envelope upgrades, heat pumps, efficient lighting and rooftop photovoltaic systems.
The findings confirm that a coordinated retrofit programme could dramatically cut energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while also improving comfort, reducing energy bills and strengthening the island’s resilience. Importantly, the report provides robust technical and economic evidence to support future funding applications and investment decisions at both the household and community level.
Both reports can be found here: Feasibility Study for the Energy-Efficient Refurbishment of the Local Building Stock | Clean energy for EU islands & GIS mapping of the PV potential in Mörbylånga, Öland | Clean energy for EU islands
Together, these two reports illustrate the value of tailored technical assistance in supporting island communities across Europe and to push forrward their decarbonisation agendas and turn their ambitions into actionable projects.