ISLANDER REPLICATION PLANSBorkum lighthouse island as a model for replication for 4 more islands

The ISLANDER project aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of European islands by deploying innovative, scalable energy solutions. While the pilot demonstration is taking place on the German island of Borkum, the project is designed with a broader vision: to replicate and adapt these solutions on other European islands.

Within the ISLANDER project, a wide range of technologies are being installed on Borkum to create a model for sustainable island energy systems. Key components of the demonstration include:

• A smart IT platform for optimal energy management
• Ultracapacitors for grid stabilisation
• Battery storage systems for balancing renewable energy
• Hydrogen technologies for long-term energy storage
• A seawater district heating network
• EV storage and smart charging infrastructure
• Demand response mechanisms to optimise electricity costs and reduce grid load

These outputs work in synergy to support a renewable, decentralised and resilient energy system - one that not only meets local energy needs but also sets an example for other islands across Europe. To explore how the ISLANDER solutions could be transferred to other island contexts, the project partners have assessed their potential replication on Cres (Croatia), the Orkney Islands (Scotland, UK), and Lefkada and Skopelos (Greece). Based on the experience and data from Borkum, they have published several reports examining the feasibility and adaptability of the demonstrated technologies within the different energy landscapes of each island.

Cres - Croatia

The island of Cres, located in the northern Adriatic Sea, is already involved in several decarbonisation initiatives. In recent years, the local government has adopted both a Clean Energy Transition Agenda and a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan. As part of the ISLANDER project, the Regional Energy Agency Kvarner developed a replication plan for Cres. This plan analysed the island's current energy infrastructure and compared it with the measures implemented on Borkum, taking into account Cres' long-term energy vision outlined in its existing strategic documents. The deployment of distributed energy resources, hybrid energy storage systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure possess the highest potential for replication on Cres. Effective integration of these technologies into a smart grid would optimise energy use and flexibility on the island. On the other hand, differing local conditions mean that some interventions are considered less suitable for replication in Cres such as the seawater district heating network and the street lighting network.

Learn more: Replication plan in the island of Cres

Orkney Islands - Scottland

The Orkney Islands in northern Scotland are recognized as pioneers in renewable energy, with a mix of wind, wave, solar, and tidal power. Project partner EMEC has mapped the islands’ energy generation and demand to support replication of the ISLANDER’s technologies. Current focus areas for replication include the incorporation of sea water district heating in Krikwall and potentially Stromness, and the improvement of street lighting systems. Both measures are not only viable but also fitting to the needs of northern isles. Beyond technology adoption, ISLANDER has encouraged a wider community discussion around domestic microgeneration to improve island’s energy resilience.

Read more: Replication of project results – Orkney islands

Lefkada and Skopelos - Greece

In Lefkada, a number of replicable measures were identified based on the island’s characteristics, including its connection to the mainland grid, its mild climate, neighboring islands and its existing solar capacity. Proposed replication measures include: the deployment of RESS household and building solutions (e.g. at the marina of Kastos island), the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and the implementation of fast-response energy storage to improve grid stability during the high-demand summer season. The street lighting network is also set to be upgraded. Furthermore, the establishment of a local energy community is being explored through the development of a roadmap and business plan, for the management of renewable energy projects in Lefkada. The decarbonisation measures are however not limited to energy facilities, two electric three-wheelers were acquired to support the decarbonisation of waste collection on the island.

Learn more: Replication of project results – Lefkada

Similar recommendations have been made for Skopelos, which shares many of Lefkada’s characteristics. Plans include installing RESS solutions at key locations like the local wastewater treatment plant, expanding EV charging infrastructure, enhancing grid flexibility through energy storage, and upgrading the island’s street lighting. The idea of forming a community-led renewable energy initiative is also being evaluated, and three public EV charging stations have already been installed in line with the local charging infrastructure plan to decarbonise the mobility sector of the island.

Read more: Replication of project results – Skopelos

Together with Nordseeheilbad GmbH Borkum (NBG), Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is supporting the establishment of such an energy community on Borkum as part of the ISLANDER project.

Read more: Steinbeis Europa Zentrum supports the establishment of an energy community on Borkum - Steinbeis EN