Abstract
Islands have great potential for renewable energy, and several pilot and experimental projects have been set up on islands globally, aiming to promote clean energy and self-sufficiency. Many of these decentralized energy initiatives oppose the established regimes of centralized electricity generation and introduce new forms of organization and management. Thus, they can be considered social niches. The aim of the present study is to explore the transition potential of renewable energy projects on three islands located in southern Europe. The analysis mobilizes literature on the strategic niche management theory (SNM) with a focus on the role of the various actors and the different management models. Through a systematic analysis of policy documents and the literature, enriched by interviews, the paper identifies different types of renewable energy projects and discusses the potential for scale up. The paper concludes that these projects are currently in the inter-local phase, and decentralization is not only an important innovation for energy production, but also a new form of energy management often dominated by different actors than the established electricity system.
Highlights
New forms of sustainable energy production are paving the way for a new energy regime away from the traditional centralized fossil fuel system
The aim of the present study is to explore the transition potential of renewable energy projects on three islands located in southern Europe
The paper concludes that these projects are currently in the inter-local phase, and decentralization is an important innovation for energy production, and a new form of energy management often dominated by different actors than the established electricity system
Summary
New forms of sustainable energy production are paving the way for a new energy regime away from the traditional centralized fossil fuel system This new generation of decentralized hybrid power systems can be connected to the main grid or operate in isolation and consist of micro-grids, energy produced from local renewable sources, and storage solutions. These systems are considered a viable alternative for rural areas and small islands, as they can reduce the cost of imported fuel and increase stability and autonomy, while at the same time they offer various economic and social benefits. The European Commission’s White Paper on Renewable Energy Sources, the United Nations Conference on Islands and Small Island States, and the European Island Agenda recognize the central role islands can play in the energy transition
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