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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.

The ISLANDER project has reached a significant milestone with the initiation of the installation phase on the island of Borkum this August. This marks a notable step forward in the project's efforts to introduce advanced energy solutions, contributing to the decarbonisation of the island. The installations include 30 household PV+Li-ion solutions and 3 building PV + Li-ion battery solutions.

Photography by Torben Jørgensen from Bornholms Energi Og Forsyning, the winner of the fourth Call for Postcards in 2023 by the Clean Energy for the EU islands secretariat.You can download the print version of the postcard below or save the picture to share it digitally. 

Photography by Orbital Marine Power, the winner of the fourth Call for Postcards in 2023 by the Clean Energy for the EU islands secretariat.You can download the print version of the postcard below or save the picture to share it digitally. 

During COP28 Island Innovation plans to create an “Island Voices” space where we will share key insights and developments related to remote, rural and island communities. Island Innovation wants to ensure that your communities are represented and that relevant information is made available to you. Given that 20% of UN member states are part of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), we expect there to be a number of conversations relating to islands.

The European Union provides financial support to a diverse range of beneficiaries, including regional and local authorities, NGOs, businesses, professionals, and citizens. To facilitate easy access to this information, the European Parliamentary Research Service has created the 'Guide to EU funding.' This comprehensive guide presents a user-friendly compilation of EU funding sources, categorized by their specific areas of action.

The Irish Department of Rural and Community Development has launched its first Irish Islands policy in 27 years. Due to the lobbying work of  Aran Islands Energy Coop the policy is taking the study on Regulatory barriers in Ireland drafted by the Clean energy for EU islands secretariat into account. Stating that the coastal islands and their communities are an integral part of the fabric of rural Ireland. They are also an integral part of the State’s heritage and have a special significance in Irish culture. 

This Technical Assistance aims to support the electrification of A Illa de Arousa's port and mussel farming activities. The wind potential and solar potential of the island were analyzed, indicating that a small-scale wind turbine and ground-mounted solar PV system could generate significant electricity. The future energy consumption of the port was estimated, and different charging profiles for the electrified vessels were created.

The island Ceantar na nOileán applied for technical assistance under the Clean Energy Transition for Ceantar na nOileán project. The Island Clean Energy Transition Agenda, developed by the local community, outlines a shared vision for the island's clean energy transition. A draft of Part I of the agenda has been created, and a public meeting was held to discuss the development of the agenda, with insights shared from the Danish island of Samsø.

The Municipality of Halki and the Energy Community of Halki have been selected for the second round of technical assistance under the Electryone project, provided by the Clean Energy for EU Islands secretariat. The study focuses on three main tasks.