ISLET / RECs on small islands
Innovative Supporting schemes for community-Led Energy Transition in the small islands of the Mediterranean
The three pilot islands, Cres (Croatia), Astypalea (Greece), and Procida (Italy), were selected based on political willingness, existing energy policies, and a population already informed and aware of decarbonisation needs.
- Astypalea is part of the Dodecanese complex, with 1,334 inhabitants. Tourism is the island’s main economic activity, with strong seasonal fluctuations. Astypalea’s power system is the fifth largest in the Dodecanese in terms of energy consumption and production. Not being interconnected to the mainland grid, the island relies mainly on its local thermal power station and has no dispatchable renewable energy sources.
- Cres, the largest island in the Adriatic Sea, is part of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago and hosts 2,879 inhabitants across 26 settlements. Energy demand is currently met through connections to the mainland grid. However, with growing numbers of residents and visitors, meeting demand through these connections has become challenging. The archipelago has significant yet untapped renewable energy potential.
- Procida is the smallest of the three minor Flegrean islands in the Province of Naples, covering 4.26 km² and home to 10,183 inhabitants. A popular tourist destination, Procida has developed renewable energy facilities in recent years, particularly photovoltaic plants. The island is connected to the national electricity grid via submarine cable from nearby Ischia, which currently supplies electricity to all residents. Despite progress, Procida’s full renewable energy potential remains largely unexploited.
While all three pilot islands are engaged in energy initiatives, the introduction of renewable energy communities (RECs) represents an innovative step, giving citizens the new role of “prosumers” actively participating in energy production and management. The municipalities involved recognise that administrative understaffing—a common challenge on islands—will require additional support to successfully implement these projects.
Project Contact
Christian Galletta
Project Officer
Team Members
Communications Officer
