ISLET project

_{* ISLET project has received funding by the LIFE Programme of the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101120073}

 

Energy communities play a pivotal role in driving the transition towards renewable energy, particularly in small Mediterranean islands. Empowering local stakeholders to actively engage in clean energy generation and distribution fosters decentralization, resilience, and innovation in energy infrastructure. The ISLET project is dedicated to facilitating collaboration among public authorities, private investors, and citizens to develop Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) in three pilot islands: Astypalea (Greece), Cres (Croatia), and Procida (Italy).

 

AUEB contributes innovative methodologies for assessing financing mechanisms and instruments tailored to the specificities of each community, including societal aspects. AUEB's involvement ensures that financing strategies align with the diverse needs of Mediterranean small islands, facilitating the emergence and growth of renewable community energy projects.

 

OBJECTIVES

• Enhance municipalities’ capacity to create a favorable environment for RECs in small Mediterranean islands.
• Increase cooperation between local authorities and citizens to promote citizen-led initiatives in energy transition.
• Empower local actors to collectively address energy transition targets using public resources.
• Develop novel methodologies and tools for assessing and selecting financing mechanisms and instruments tailored to the specificities of different communities.
• Foster dialogue among stakeholders to create supportive local policy frameworks for REC development.
• Provide a replicable model for REC creation in Mediterranean small islands.
• Train relevant actors in community energy development and citizen engagement.
• Improve awareness of RECs and relevant laws among local authorities and citizens.
• Evaluate the contribution of citizen-led initiatives to decarbonization efforts.
• Establish a network of peer support for island municipalities in REC development.

PILOT ISLANDS

CONSORTIUM

• Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, National Research Council (CNR-IIA)
• Legambiente Nazionale – APS – Rete Associativa – Ente del Terzo
• Athens University of Economics and Business – Research Center (AUEB)
• Island Movement (IM)
• Samsø Energy Academy (SE)
• DAFNI – Network of Sustainable Greek Islands
• Town of Cres
• Municipality of Procida
• Municipality of Astypalaia
• Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency (MIEMA)
• FEDARENE

 

DURATION AND FUNDING

 

The ISLET project is co-funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union and runs from October 2023 to September 2026.

PROJECT WEBSITE