Organized under auspices of the City of Hvar, the Island Movement, and the Renewable Energy Sources Association of Croatia, the Energy Transition Strategy of the Island of Hvar, prepared in cooperation with the Clean Energy for the EU Island Secretariat, was presented today in the city of Hvar. Also, to strengthen capacity and synergies, the OIEH and the Island Movement signed a strategic partnership agreement.
In his introductory address, Rikardo Novak, Mayor of Hvar, said the Energy Transition Strategy is a model for changing the paradigm, environmental and political awareness. It will benefit everyone, especially the islands. “I would like to emphasize that the City of Hvar is aware of its capacities and opportunities provided towards self-sustainability. I sincerely hope that we will implement the ideas and projects from the Energy Transition Strategy very soon in the future”, added Mayor Novak. He expressed satisfaction with the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the Island Movement and the OIEH. He concluded by saying that the cooperation between civil society and expertise is the future.
Ana Marija Jakas presented the Energy Transition Strategy of the Island of Hvar, reminding everyone this is the sunniest island with the still untapped potential of solar electricity production.
The strategy covers the period from 2020 to 2035 and will be updated every two years. It includes four pillars: civil society, educational institutions, local government, and the business sector. “Through workshops we conducted together with citizens we made an analysis of their proposals. Together, we then came up with a a common vision of our island’s self-sufficiency”, Jakas explained. She added that they plan to continue involving citizens by organizing additional workshops.
The current screening shows most people are energy consumers, and a few are energy producers – only 6% of Hvar inhabitants. There are officially 11,077 inhabitants on Hvar, the sunniest of Croatian islands. It is understandable they want to develop solar power plants that would lead to energy savings.
Maja Pokrovac, director of the Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia, presented the possibilities the European Recovery Plan offers through 750 billion euros. Climate protection and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions projects secured a minimum of 30% of those funds. Croatia secured a portion of that amount and now needs to prepare a recovery plan within its national reform program to join this fund. “It should include investment priorities and reforms, and islands should certainly have their place among them,” said Pokrovac. She added that all stakeholders in the energy transition should be aware of the importance of this moment. With the EU funds, we can develop and implement many RES projects relevant to the island community.
“In its recovery plan Croatia should focus on activities that can restart the economy on a sustainable basis. She should move closer to carbon neutrality which is the goal of the European Green Plan. The energy transition of the island is certainly one of such activities”, Pokrovac said. She concluded: “Funds should be brought to local communities. We are here to raise awareness and strengthen the island community, to let them know that it can be those who lead it. ”
In her presentation, Maja Jurišić from the Island Movement emphasized the need for cooperation between municipal governments and local communities. The cities of Hvar and Stari Grad, and the municipalities of Jelsa and Sućuraj are an example of unity and successful cooperation. They show islanders what the effect of such action is and encourage them to do the same.
“We often think that we cannot do something on the island. It happens there are European funds that we cannot acces individually, but could with joint projects. This is why it is important that we act together”, said Jurišić. She added we need to understand the community consists of those who live on the island and those who love it and often visit. They also want to see sustainable development and should be relied upon when considering energy transition projects on the island of Hvar.
Today’s event in the town of Hvar concluded with the signing of an agreement on a strategic partnership between the Island Movement and the Renewable Energy Sources of Croatia. Ms. Jurišić and Ms. Pokrovac agreed the OIEH would help the Movement with preparing and developing various projects. Together, they can better inform and educate local communities about the benefits of using renewable energy sources.
“We are actively committed to the well-being of island communities and their participation in project development. This strategic partnership with the OIEH will give the wind at the back of islanders,” concluded Maja Jurišić from the Island Movement.