The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat is delighted to unveil the outcomes of the recent Follower Islands call, a significant step in supporting European islands on their journey to decarbonisation.

While islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change, they enjoy a naturally high potential of renewable energy sources to harness. Many islands have abundant renewable energy potential, which can be tapped to lead decarbonisation. However, access to reliable, clean and competitive sources of energy remains a main concern of island communities in the EU. Although it is often technically and financially possible to develop renewable energy projects on islands, legal and regulatory frameworks, whether EU, national, regional or local, are not always fitfor purpose.

This report estimates the potential annual energy production by an in-pipe hydro plant on the island of La Palma, Spain. The Caldereta reservoir and its connected pipelines are considered for the plant's location. The expected energy production is calculated based on modelling work. The island transition team selected the Caldereta reservoir in the southern region of La Palma, Fuencaliente, for this study. Two pipelines, one downstream and one upstream, are of interest and connected to the Caldereta reservoir.

The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat officially launched the Follower Islands Programme this April with information-rich webinar on energy planning and vision-making. Bringing together island representatives, technical experts, and local authorities from across Europe, the event was the starting point for an ambitious process to support EU islands on their path toward clean energy transitions.Kostas Komninos, General Manager of DAFNI – Network of Sustainable Greek Islands – opened the session by highlighting the increasing importance of local governance in energy planning.

This report presents the results of the pre-feasibility assessment for repowering the Nasca Wind Farm, located on San Pietro Island (Sardinia, Italy). To assess the repowering of the existing wind farm, a total of 8 new possible configurations were considered, highlighting the benefits of higher tower heights.

This report explores the potential for integrating PV systems and BESS at Pantelleria Airport. Developing a hybrid PV-BESS plant at Pantelleria Airport represents a pivotal step toward achieving energy independence and sustainability on the island. Pantelleria can significantly reduce its reliance on imported fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and stabilize energy costs.  Given its large, underutilised surfaces, the airport presents a strategic opportunity for a PV plant.

This report explores energy efficiency measures for traditional buildings in Ireland, focusing on the Aran Islands, which feature a rich portfolio of historic stone buildings. It highlights the European Union’s (EU) regulations and directives to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, as well as Ireland’s national policy framework. Key retrofitting measures discussed in the report aim to improve thermal performance while preserving the external appearance of buildings in compliance with conservation regulations.

his report provides an in-depth assessment of wind energy development potential in Öland. It analyzes existing wind energy plans, technological advancements, land use constraints, and wind resource availability to identify priority areas for future wind power projects. First, the technical, cultural and environmental constraints for deploying wind farms are assessed, and a list of priority areas is defined.

This report presents a first technical and economic assessment of the possibility of introducing hydrogen-fuelled ferries for transporting passengers and vehicles between the islands of Giglio and Giannutri and the mainland.