New Energy Solutions Optimized for Island Outermost Regions

ongoing

Despite the recognized role of Energy Communities in the EU energy transition, such initiatives are still poorly developed, especially on islands despite their potential in fitting their specific needs. In addition to the technical obstacles for their insular character, islands in the EU Outermost Regions are further suffering the remoteness from the mainland, which creates extra barriers to their acquaintance with the climate transition targets set by the EU Green Deal directives. Building on top of the successful experience of H2020 NESOI project, concluded in early ‘24 with 70+ islands’ green transition projects accomplished, the standardized protocol, based on the CWA developed to support islands energy transition, will be tailored to the peculiarity of EU Outermost Regions and will be tested in three pilot (Canary, Azores and Martinique islands), with the aim of facilitating bottom-up Energy Communities projects implementation. NESOI+ will develop investment concepts, integrating support in business modelling and technical aspects, so that project will be aligned with the investors’ requirements and expectations. Also, capacity building activities will be provided to strengthen knowledge and best practice sharing, enabling replication at local level. NESOI+ will create a One-Stop-Shop for island Energy Communities offering reference materials, tools, capacity building and matchmaking opportunities for the whole value chain of Energy Communities, whilst enabling a supportive and greater network of EU islands engaged in the energy transition. Two open calls will be run to select a total of 30 beneficiary projects in the 3 pilot OR to pilot the One-Stop-Shop services to meet the needs of the different local contexts. A consortium of experienced partners from all over EU will provide technical support and capacity building, creating sustainable investment pipelines, facilitating their access to financial opportunities and speed up their development.