Workshop Paves Way for German Interest in Greek Isle Energy Projects

Smart grid applications, infrastructure for electric vehicles, municipal lighting and electricity storage technologies were the focus of a workshop held earlier this month exploring the viability of energy projects on the Greek islands.

Organised by the Aegean Energy Agency and the Network of Sustainable Aegean Islands (DAFNI), under the auspices of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Academic Foundation (FES), the event was attended by representatives from the European Commission, state agencies, business groups, financial institutions, academia and local government.

Under the title: “The Islands as Receptors of Innovative Technologies in the Energy Field”, the workshop focused on the prospect of Greek-German cooperation in the development of innovative technology projects. Among other issues, participants identified the obstacles related to the penetration of new technologies and the role of local government in this new innovation environment.

At the same time, the event examined the advantages of the Greek islands with regard to the implementation of innovative technologies — particularly the considerable potential of renewable energy forms — and concluded that partnerships and international cooperation which will benefit the sustainable development of local communities and their economies are a prospect as long as market confidence is restored.

Germany-based participants included OSRAM, Schneider-Electric, Siemens, Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Karlsruher Institut Für Technologie (KIT), Wip Renewable Energies, Fraunhofer Energy Alliance, and Bündnis Bürgerenergie.

The Ios-Aegean Energy Agency was established in 2008 as a non-profit organisation that supports the Aegean islands in energy planning, as well as in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.