LocalRES was at the CE4EUI Forum!

Laura Bordo from RINA attended the Clean Energy for EU Islands forum on behalf of LocalRES to share the insights and experiences of our demo site Kökar, a small archipelago in Åland.

The theme for this edition was “The power of islands: building resilience through renewables.” It was good opportunity to discuss EU policy objectives straight from the source – Alejandro Ulzurrun De Asanza Y Munoz from DG ENER, European Commission, was there to deliver a presentation on islands within the EU Energy and Climate Framework. 

The event was held in Pantelleria, located in the strand of Sicily. It is an island that has to juggle variable energy demand depending on tourist season. There was a visit to the desalinization plant which, as a response to high energy prices and inability to cover costs with national subsidies, has greened its energy supply by installing PV panels.

LocalRES participated in the open discussions and workshops being especially active in “The specific challenges of energy communities and cooperatives on islands”, which covered regulatory, administrative, and technical aspects.

Kökar has faced a number of legal hurdles due to local opposition; because of its remote geographical location, it is still dependent on diesel and electricity from the main grid – energy security would be a win.