Clean Energy for EU Islands

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20 December 2021

Editorial

Dear EU islands community,

On some islands in Europe there’s already lots of snow, others still enjoy nice and warm weather. No matter the temperature, Christmas time is approaching and so is the last Clean energy for EU islands Newsletter of 2021. At the same time, this means that the year 2021 is coming to an end too.

For the Clean energy for EU islands initiative, this was an eventful and exciting year, despite the pandemic. It went into phase II with a new motivated secretariat. Many islands joined the Clean energy for EU islands initiative by signing a pledge or publishing their Clean Energy Transition Agenda. Throughout the year, the secretariat offered workshops, like the Energy Academies on Cyprus and Korčula, and events such as the Island Forum 2021. The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat has also published a Technology solutions booklet that provides an overview of energy technologies available for islands to advance in their clean energy transition. In the beginning of 2022, there will be another change for the Clean energy for EU islands initiative, as the secretariat team is working hard on a new website right now.

But also, European islands started new clean energy projects and have exciting news to tell, for instance Gotland, that founded its own centre for energy or the Balearics that are working on citizen participation in PV parks.

I would like to seize the opportunity to thank on behalf of the European Commission everyone who is involved in the clean energy transition on European islands for their great efforts and inspiring work! Enjoy the Christmas holidays, stay healthy and have a peaceful transition into the new year.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Edita Dranseikante

Coordinator of the Clean energy for EU islands initiative, DG Energy, European Commission

Clean energy for EU islands initiative

Second call for postcards – Views from the Islands

The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat is releasing a second call for postcards: Greetings from the islands as a photo challenge! The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat is looking forward to beautiful pictures from EU islands. Submit your photo until January 10, 2022!

Energy Academy Croatia Edition – What can you take from it?

A two-day Energy Academy was held on Korčula, organised by the Island Movement and the Clean energy for EU islands secretariat. During the event, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the possibilities and benefits of using renewable energy.

Webinar recording: Do islands need green hydrogen for their clean energy transition?

Learn about Orkney's experience with the BIG HIT project, which aims at implementing a fully integrated model of hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilisation for heat, power and mobility.

Webinar coming soon: Policy regulation for the island’s energy transition

Take part in our sneak preview webinar where we would like to present the publicly available Regulatory Inventory on policy and regulations specifically developed for EU islands.

News from the islands

MAC-Clima project – climate emergency in the Macaronesia region

The project focuses on the promotion of pilot actions, training and best practices exchange to engage the society on the urgent need to reduce emissions.

The University of the Balearic Islands commits to achieving climate neutrality by 2030

The University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) joins the Race to Zero campaign, an initiative that aims to establish an international alliance to promote change towards a decarbonised economy.

What is the Chalki GR-eco Islands national initiative?

The GR-eco Islands national initiative aims to transform the Greek islands into models of clean energy transition, green economy, energy self-sufficiency and digital innovations.

What is the Energicentrum Gotland?

In the energy transition towards a fossil-free future, there is often the question where action and implementation should come from. Should it come from the top, the political level, or from the bottom, the individual or community level?

The Regional Government of the Balearic Islands presents the first photovoltaic park open to local participation in Spain

The Director-General of Energy and Climate Change, Pep Malagrava, explained the importance of socialising this type of park in order to further democratise energy.

The Clean energy for EU islands initiative and beyond

First Green Hysland Webinar completed

On the 9 November 2021, FEDARENE invited ENAGAS, Community Energy Scotland and the FCH JU for its first webinar.

The Islands Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions

Energy Transition is one of the highest priorities of the Islands Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions and its presidency, held by the Balearic Islands. In particular, it promotes the role of islands in fulfilling the objectives set by the EU Green Deal.

First drawings of Scottish led hydrogen-powered ferry project completed

The Orkney Islands Council, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), St. Andrew’s University and several other European organisations are cooperating to build Europe’s first seagoing ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Explore, Shape & Act: The Story

After giving Sophie and Anna a tour through her house and after the neighbours left, they start to make and eat cookies together.

While decorating some of the cookies she made, Anna keeps thinking about the discussions with the neighbours. "We have an energy community here", one of the neighbours sad. Energy community...what is that even? Anna wonders. She decides to ask Sophie's grandma about it. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla lingers in the room while grandma starts to explain. "It's all energy. We share drinks and food without paying the distribution costs!". Energy communities are controlled by local communities, they offer democratic participation while controlling common energy actions. Anna finds this concept really interesting, she will definitely take it back to the mainland to discuss it with her friends in school.

Of course Sophie and Anna receive a box of cookies at the end of their visit to take on their trip around the island!

Stay tuned for the next episode!

Events

SAVE THE DATE: Kick-off conference #Connected in Europe on February 10th, 2022!

Learn more about EU strategies for digitalisation and networking opportunities in cities & communities. How can European and German cities and communities successfully manage the digital transformation and connect it to sustainable and integrated urban development?

date

10/02/2022 - 10/02/2022

venue

online

REScoop.eu Annual General Meeting 2022

The REScoop.eu Annual General Meeting will take place on April 20-22, 2022. It is the first meeting after two years to take place offline in Heerlen, Netherlands.

date

20/04/2022 - 22/04/2022

6th Cretan Energy Conference & Exhibition

The IEEG Expo and Conference will be inaugurated by the Greek Government. The conference includes speakers and exhibitors from Greece, Israel, Egypt, the European Commission, as well as the United States among others.

date

01/07/2022 - 03/07/2022

Clean energy for EU islands

If you want further information about the latest activities and events from the Clean energy for EU islands secretariat, please let us know your inquiries by email: info@euislands.eu.

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Photo credits in order of appearance: Th!nk E (Agata Smok), Canva, Canva, Canva, MAC Cilma Project, Michael Baccin (Unsplash), GR-eco Islands national initiative, Energicentrum Gotland, Andreas Gucklhorn (Unsplash), Green Hysland, Islands Commission, and HySeas III Project.

Catalogue number: MJ-AP-21-004-EN-N

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