Discover the transformative potential of clean energy on EU islands at the Clean energy for EU islands forum 2024. Taking place in Pantelleria, Italy, on 14-15 May 2024, this forum embodies the theme "The power of islands: building resilience through renewables."Following a rigorous selection process, 30 islands and island groups have been chosen for support in achieving a fully renewable energy supply.
The EU islands' call for applications of interest for 30 renewable islands for 2030 has concluded, and the EU islands secretariat is thrilled to announce the selection of 30 islands and island groups from 10 European countries ready to lead the way towards a sustainable future. The mission was clear: to identify and provide technical support to 30 islands and island groups over the next three years, propelling them towards complete energy independence through 100% renewable sources by 2030.
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.
On 14-15 May 2024, the Clean energy for EU islands forum took place in Pantelleria with the motto "Power of Islands - Building Resilience through Renewables". The forum in a nutshell:151 participants attended the on-site event over the two days at Mursia Hotel, Pantelleria191 participants took part in the live stream;32 speakers;7 workshops covering a range of topics from the specific challenges of energy communities and cooperatives on islands to energy and water efficiency for the residential and hospitality sectors;More than 10 presentations and panel discussions ranging from The “G
Francine Zegers of the Saba Electric Company outlines the ambitious clean energy goals for the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba. Saba aims to achieve 100% renewable energy generation by 2030, with an interim target of 90% by 2025, positioning the island as a leader in early clean energy adoption. Francine highlights the challenges Saba faces as a small, isolated island, including the need for technological advancements, modern infrastructure, and resilient systems to efficiently generate and distribute power.
In this interview, Professor Primdahl from the University of Copenhagen countryside planning and spatial planning, with a focus on collaborative approaches for rural landscapes. He emphasises the importance of integrating renewable energy projects into existing land uses through dialogue and collaboration. According to Professor Primdahl, collaborative planning not only helps in reducing conflicts but also in identifying synergies and optimal solutions for sustainable development. Watch to learn more about his insights on effective planning for renewable energy and water landscapes.
Nuria Albet Torres, Co-Founder and Board Member of La Palma's energy community Energía Bonita, spoke about her work for the community and what it is like and the barriers they are facing. Get a glimpse into the reality energy communities are facing.
Sulev Alajõe, Directing Manager, Estonian Islands Energy Agency, discusses the significant energy sector changes facing the islands of Saaremaa and Ruhnu. With a keen interest in offshore wind energy investments, the islands aim to harness these opportunities to develop local industries based on green energy. Alajõe emphasises the importance of engaging local communities to avoid the "Not In My Back Yard" (NIMBY) effect and build trustworthy communication.
This policy brief gives a brief overview of the political and regulatory context at the European level for the development of energy communities, focusing on their social role. The brief shows that while regulation of energy communities is still in its infancy, it benefits from a good political dynamic pushed by the EU. Nevertheless, the social obligations ascribed to energy communities as non-traditional market players are not matched with the support needed to meet such expectations.
Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic Sea has set ambitious goals to become entirely carbon neutral. To achieve these goals, the island plans to address all aspects of the energy transition. The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat has provided a grant to support these ambitions. Key initiatives include benchmarking progress in the agricultural sector, exploring storage solutions for integration into the regional energy system, and promoting fossil-free mobility solutions in the city.