What would happen if small islands, often on the margins of major clean energy debates, became living laboratories of energy democracy? That is exactly what is happening thanks to LIFE ISLET — Innovative Support for citizen-led Local Energy Transition — a European project launched on 1 October 2023 with a duration of 36 months.
At the heart of the project are three pilot islands: Procida (Italy), Astypalea (Greece) and Cres (Croatia). Very different geographical and cultural contexts, yet sharing common challenges: external energy dependency, limited local technical capacity and low energy literacy among citizens. And with one frequently underestimated asset: a strong sense of community.
The logic behind ISLET is as simple as it is effective — start by listening. A thorough analysis of local dynamics has guided all subsequent activities, enabling the development of tailored pathways for each context. The most tangible result to date is that all three pilot islands have already established their own Renewable Energy Community (REC). A milestone made possible by months of public assemblies, school workshops, stakeholder dialogue and patient trust-building work.
Central to this journey has been the support of the Samsø Energy Academy, based on the Danish island of Samsø, a world pioneer in community‑driven energy transition. Their team has shared invaluable knowledge and expertise with the consortium, demonstrating that technology alone is not enough — community is essential. Citizen engagement and collective ownership remain the true drivers of change.
On the financial side, ISLET has developed a bespoke methodology to guide island RECs in selecting the most suitable funding instruments — equity, debt, crowdfunding, public funds — turning what is often an opaque process into an accessible decision-making pathway. Alongside this, one of the project’s most anticipated tools was launched last November: the ISLET Helpdesks, one-stop shops that will support citizens, municipalities and cooperatives at every stage of establishing a REC, from legal registration and access to incentive schemes through to technical design.
The project’s vision extends well beyond the pilot islands. Four test islands — Gozo (Malta), Ponza (Italy), Korčula (Croatia) and Tilos (Greece) — are already involved, with the aim of reaching at least 28 European islands within five years of the project’s end. A growing network, further strengthened by collaboration with ESIN, the European network of small islands.
Finally, ISLET stands out for its attention to social impact — so often overlooked in energy projects — assessed through four key dimensions: energy justice, energy democracy, community empowerment and social capital.
The energy transition on small islands is no longer a utopia. With LIFE ISLET, it is already underway.
Follow the ISLET journey, explore tools and insights from the islands, and stay updated on milestones, impactful actions and more on the project’s Permanent Exchange Platform — an evolving space designed to support everyone working towards citizen‑driven energy transition on European islands.
