Why islands are lighthouses in the energy transition

Helen Heinz, a PhD candidate at Nottingham Business School, shares her findings on islands in the energy transition and how local contexts and cultures influence the technology and business model solutions used.

In an exclusive interview at Enlit Europe, Heinz notes that islands are forging their paths towards a sustainable future. While geographically united by their insular nature, their approaches to this transition vary greatly.

"I think the only thing that they share is probably that they are islands, and they have this geographical embeddedness. But their energy transition pathways will all look very different."

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According to Heinz's research, which looked at two case studies of the Orkney Islands and Canary Islands, their approach to the energy transition was different. Each community has its own unique needs, shaped by local climate, regulations, cultural perspectives, and individual preferences.

For example, the Orkney Islands, with their strong sense of community, are embracing the idea of a wall local energy system, while the Canary Islands are leaning towards smaller-scale solutions like PV self-consumption.

Heinz emphasises that the customer should be the driving force behind choosing the most suitable business model for their island. However, a lack of transparency in the current system often hinders informed decision-making. In the Canary Islands, people express dissatisfaction with the complex pricing structures and lack of trust in existing providers, yet still prefer the reliability and expertise they offer.

To bridge this gap, Heinz proposes a platform that empowers communities to compare different business models and technology providers, allowing them to make informed choices based on their specific needs and priorities.

While islands may not offer a single, universal solution for mainland energy transitions, Heinz notes, their experiences demonstrate the importance of adapting approaches to local contexts and prioritizing community engagement.