NESOI Project
A cutting-edge digital platform for matchmaking and capacity building among islands
| Business | Period | Project Coordinator | Funding Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | October 2019 - February 2024 | SINLOC-SISTEMA INIZIATIVE LOCALI S.p.A. | Horizon 2020 |
Challenge
The NESOI project (GA 864266) addressed the challenge of overcoming technical and financial barriers for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on EU islands. Many islands are eager to transition to clean energy but lack the expertise to secure investments and initiate projects. NESOI aimed to bridge this gap by taking a hands-on approach to facilitate the islands' energy transition plans effectively.
Here's how NESOI accomplished this:
- Needs assessment: NESOI began with a comprehensive survey to identify the specific needs of EU islands in their energy transition efforts, and with research aimed at identifying the most suitable technologies and solutions for islands’ energy transition and decarbonization.
- Digital platform: NESOI provided a dedicated digital platform offering training materials, best-practice examples, technical and economic toolkits, and a collaborative space for islands, investors, and technology developers to exchange ideas and knowledge. The digital platform serves as a hub for connecting islands, technology and service providers, and financiers. It not only facilitates matchmaking among these stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, but also includes an e-learning and capacity-building section. This educational component enhances the skills and capabilities of the islands and other project participants, strengthening their capacity to embrace sustainable energy solutions.
- Technical and financial assistance to selected islands: NESOI employed transparent criteria encompassing technical, social, economic, and environmental factors to select projects for tailored direct support. This support was provided by consortium experts and external specialists who offered guidance on local aspects through a cascade mechanism. Overall, a number of 54 islands’ energy transition projects were supported.
Our effort: technical assistance to islands’ energy transition and decarbonization
Within the project, RINA was responsible for managing the selection of islands to receive support, from the definition of eligibility and selection criteria to the organization of the projects’ evaluation process following the open calls.
Furthermore, we played a central role in providing technical assistance to the islands, offering a comprehensive range of services that highlighted their multidisciplinary expertise in energy transition and decarbonization.
Conclusion
Not only identified NESOI the needs of EU islands but also provided a comprehensive ecosystem of resources and expertise to help these islands access funding, kick-start clean energy projects, and ultimately accelerate their energy transition plans.
We invite individuals and organizations to register on the NESOI platform to access a wealth of information and opportunities for contributing to the advancement of clean energy initiatives on European islands.
