Video
Video file
In this interview, Manolis Koutoulakis, Secretary General for Insular Policy and Aegean, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, highlights the unique energy challenges faced by the country’s island communities and the importance of building a more sustainable and resilient future. With more than 117 inhabited islands, many of which operate as isolated energy systems, ensuring reliable and affordable energy supply remains a complex task.
He emphasises that the clean energy transition is not solely a technological issue but one that directly affects the quality of life and long-term viability of island communities. Energy costs, water scarcity, and energy poverty are closely interconnected challenges that shape everyday life on the islands. As a result, policy efforts focus on deploying practical, people-centred solutions that integrate renewable energy and innovative technologies into real-world island energy systems.
Looking ahead, energy independence for islands is emerging as a strategic priority for Greece. The speaker underlines the need to balance energy security with affordability while empowering local communities to remain and thrive on their islands. This vision is expected to play an important role in future European discussions on island sustainability and energy resilience.