“The Future of Energy Communities on Islands” Conference on Cres Gathers Over 70 Islanders from Across Europe

As part of a three-day event bringing together participants of the LIFE ISLET project and members of the European Small Islands Federation (ESIN), on October 2, 2024, a conference titled “The Future of Energy Communities on Islands” was held in the beautiful setting of the Moise Palace on the island of Cres. The conference gathered experts, representatives of local communities, government institutions, and international organizations to discuss the crucial role of island communities in the energy transition.

The conference was opened by the Mayor of Cres, Marin Gregorović, who highlighted the energy transition projects related to the City of Cres. Opening speeches were also delivered by Ivan Matić, a member of the Board of the Island Movement, and Kristina Čelić (Director of the Energy Sector at the Ministry of Economy, Croatia).

All speakers emphasized the key role of local communities in the implementation of European energy policies, with a special focus on islands.

Following the opening speeches, Aida Liha Matejiček, (Head of Unit for Cohesion policy in Croatia and Romania at DG REGIO, European Commission) addressed the audience through an online presentation, reflecting on European energy policies and projects aimed at islands.

Local Communities as Drivers of the Energy Transition

The first panel, titled “Local Communities as Drivers of the EU Energy Transition,” gathered prominent participants, including Marin Gregorović (Mayor of Cres), Elise Van Dijk (CE4EU Islands Secretariat), Cathy Ní Ghóill (European Small Islands Federation – ESIN), Alexis Chatzimpiros and Michael Kristensen (Samsø Energy Academy (SE), Denmark), and Petros Markopoulos (Network of Sustainable Greek Islands (DAFNI), Greece). The discussion was moderated by Maja Jurišić, the president of the Island Movement.

Panellists shared their experiences in developing energy communities on islands, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that the energy transition brings, not only in terms of sustainability but also for local development. During the discussion, the importance of networking and sharing practical experiences among islanders and participants from other countries was particularly emphasized. This mutual cooperation allows for the exchange of best practices, strengthens shared resources, and develops innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of island communities. Mayor Gregorović emphasized the critical role of involving local communities in energy projects, stressing that collaborative work on these initiatives is essential for achieving sustainable and effective energy solutions.

Davor Sokolović from MEC, the first energy community, gave a presentation sharing the story of the establishment and development of the community that brought together citizens and local institutions with the aim of creating a sustainable and energy-independent society.

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Energy Communities in Croatia: Dream or Reality?

During this panel, participants from the Forum of Energy Communities presented their first energy communities that recently received operating permits. A key presentation was delivered by the director of the energy sector from the Ministry of Economy, who emphasized that she received barriers and recommendations from the Forum for improving the legislative framework and unlocking the potential for developing energy communities.

The importance of the presentation by Goran Čačić, coordinator of the Forum of Energy Communities, was also highlighted. He emphasized that the Forum brings together experts ready to assist the Ministry, highlighting specific experiences and knowledge that will help make energy communities a reality. Currently, Croatia has established three energy communities, but none have produced or distributed a single kWh of electricity, nor is there a clear timeline for when they will. Čačić cautioned that the costs of establishing and managing energy communities are prohibitively high, rendering their sustainability unfeasible. He stressed the urgent need for legislative changes, the removal of regulatory barriers, and the creation of a fund to promote the establishment and growth of these communities.

Finally, Kristina Čelić highlighted that she will actively involve Forum members in working groups for legislative changes. She is aware of the obstacles they face, and the Ministry is ready to eliminate them in collaboration with the Forum’s experts. She believes that through joint efforts in the coming period, they will stimulate the development of communities.

This panel emphasized the need for synergy between local communities, government institutions, and civil society to ensure the successful development of energy communities in Croatia.

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Involving Local Communities is Crucial for Successful Transition Implementation

The conference concluded with the realization that involving local communities in energy projects is crucial for a successful transition to sustainable energy sources, especially for island communities that often face energy challenges. Participants stressed the need to remove barriers that hinder the establishment of strong energy communities.

The conference was attended by over 70 islanders and stakeholders from Europe, including Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Greece, Malta, and Croatia. The conference was organized by the City of Cres, OTRA, the Island Movement, with the support of the Green Energy Cooperative and the Ministry of Economy.