REGIONAL ENERGY AGENCY OF CRETE

The Regional Energy Agency of CRETE (REAC) was created by the Region of Crete in December 1993, within the framework of implementing regional energy policy, which is operative via the Regional Development Fund of Crete. 

The idea behind REAC’s development was that the island of Crete is a suitable place to implement new regional energy and climate policies, energy innovation, and entrepreneurship policies through multilevel governance. The reason for this suitability is that Crete has a large variety of social and economic activities, with well-defined borders and a high potential for energy savings and Renewable Energy Sources (RES). 

Currently, Crete is home to nearly all kinds of renewable energy sources and technologies, including:  

• 25 wind farms (200.2 MW) 

• 480,000 m2of Solar Thermal Systems 

• Photovoltaics (105 MW) 

• Solar (shallow) geothermal systems 

• Biomass (thermal energy from the olive kernel) 

• 3 biogas installations 

Recent projects developed on Crete revolved around topics such as: energy saving in public and private buildings and industry, energy innovation and technology transfer, and energy planning for local authorities. 

The areas of excellence of the agency are: Energy, Environment, Climate Change, Renewable Energy Sources, Clean Energy Transition, Energy Saving and Rational Use of Energy, Energy Innovation and European and International Co-operation. 

Activities  

REAC is involved in a variety of activities that support its vision: 

• Implemented over 70 European competitive and national projects. 

• Contribute to the development of the Regional Energy and Climate Policy, in close co-operation with all the responsible bodies at local and regional level and in accordance with the National and European Energy and Climate Policy and the Green Deal. 

• Participate in European and National energy projects, programmes, and networks. 

• Promote European, Mediterranean and international co-operation 

• Provide neutral consultancy services to interested bodies. 

• Promote thorough information, dissemination, awareness-innovative technologies, good practices and success stories 

• Organise technology transfer, exchange of experiences, training courses, seminars, conferences, and raise awareness of citizens and consumers 

• Coordinate the energy projects and activities of several regional and local bodies (such as the Covenant of Mayors), to combine them with other Community or National programs (Innovation, Environment, Tourism, circular economy, decarbonisation, etc.) 

Achievements 

REAC’s accomplishments include: 

• An Action and Implementation Plan for sustainable energy and climate adaptation and change, as well as a Clear Energy Transition Plan of the island of Crete, has been elaborated and promoted. 

• The agency has developed very rich and diversified activities in organising various events: conferences, workshops, working meetings, seminars-technical visits and participated in many regional, national, European, and international conferences, workshops, exhibitions, etc.; 

• A great number of specific leaflets and videos have been produced and distributed to schools, citizens, «target groups» etc., as part of public campaigns; 

• Systematic information campaigns are realised in schools of all Educational levels. Students, teachers, and parents are informed in cooperation with the Educational Authorities. 

• Training courses for non-employed scientists and engineers have been realised. 

• In 2001, the Region of Crete and its Energy Agency were honoured by the European Commission with the first award for the Best Regional Renewable Energy Partnership (in the framework of the 2001 Campaign for Take-off Awards). 

Network  

REAC participates actively in National and European networks, including: FEDARENE, The European Sustainable Cities and Towns Campaign, the ManagEnergy Initiative, among more. REAC is an official territorial coordinator for the Region of Crete for the EU Covenant of Mayors initiative as well as for the Clear Energy Transition of the island of Crete.