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THE PROBLEMATIC
The last few years has shown an increased focus of RES on islands.
However in nearby all the islands around the world, and specifically in the European area, the potential
for RES is not yet tapped.
For the majority of islands expensive and environmentally problematic fossil fuels are still the only
energy sources used.
Recent disasters (Galapagos, Sein, …) prove if necessary how these fuel purchasing can be dangerous
for the landscape and its faun.
One of the reasons for the under exploitation of RES is lack of knowledge, awareness and co-operation
about the islands around the world that today have actually substantial utilisation and experiences in
regard to RES using.
The very big potential of RES applications on islands, the maturation of these appropriate technologies
and their competitiveness especially in the insular context, organisational models for planning
exchanges, implementation and financial schemes experimenting, … must be boosted.
THE ANSWER
Consequently, one major objective of the RES promotion is to boosted that RES on islands with the aim
of 100% sustainability is a feasible option in regard to environment, technology, organisation and
economy.
An other main objective is to engage global co-operation and networking among RES most involved
islands and interested ones, with a strong ambition in regard to RES may significantly strengthen the
role of island population, utilities and administrative entities as global forerunners for the RES.
Then, last but not least, it would be a formidable tool for European Union energy policy in order to reach
the White Paper objectives.
Today, nearly all islands in the world are totally dependant on expensive and environmentally
problematic fossil fuels for their energy needs.
But they have an unique potential for RES:
- A competitive economic situation
- Good renewable energy resources thanks to the wind, the sun or the sea
- Generally positive attitude and awareness of its population
- Highly visible laboratory for technology
They can be an example of organisational methods or financing and serve as demonstration projects for
nations.
At the same time, there is a need to demonstrate RES in a large scale, integrated and organised form.
This is not possible on mainland, therefore the project can show a renewable energy world wide
promotion.
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