‘Integrating Renewables into Islands’ was the title of the international conference held in Athens last week. Delegates shared experiences and aspirations for renewables. The event was organised by the Network of Aegean Islands for Sustainability – DAFNI.
Island communities are no different from mainland ones – they are just surrounded by water! That separation does focus the issues around energy supply and use, and that is one reason why island projects excel at demonstrating new technologies and showing the full impact of switching to renewables.
In Scotland, community energy projects on islands are generating power and making the strongest possible link between people and generation.
Scotland was represented in Athens by Community Energy Scotland’s Felix Wight and Alan Gooding from Smarter Grid Solutions.
Felix commented:
“Good links were established with Greek, Danish and Swedish island communities, who all have a shared interest in the Local Energy Economy concept.
“Following up leads on co-operation and development relating to hydrogen ferries and electric vehicles, will be potential Horizon 2020 projects which can attract EU funding for community projects in Scotland.”
Alan Gooding has produced a blog, and his presentation is included on the page at the following link – Smarter Grid Solutions
Felix’s presentation is at this link – Felix Wight
More about DAFNI the sustainable island network in the Aegean at this link http://www.dafni.net.gr/en/
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