Korčula is joining Cres in advancing energy communities, with support from local authorities and the Island Movement (Pokret Otoka).
Last week, Korčula made a significant step toward a just energy transition. As part of the EU LIFE project ISLET, the Island Movement held a series of working meetings with the heads of local self-government units on the island. The central topic was how to replicate the energy community model developed on Cres, with a focus on renewable energy and sharing energy produced on public buildings.
Participants included: the Mayor of Lumbarda, the Mayor of Blato, the Mayor of Vela Luka, the Head of Department from Smokvica Municipality, and the Mayor of the City of Korčula. All participants expressed clear support and understanding of the proposed approach, opening the door to concrete implementation across the island.
What’s the next step?
It was agreed that in the coming months, pre-analyses will be carried out for each local self-government unit separately, in order to:
- identify public buildings and available rooftop areas
- analyze energy consumption
- identify interested stakeholders
- prepare a technical and economic assessment of photovoltaic systems
- consider management models and regulatory options
The goal is to create a clear picture of the potential and readiness for participation in future energy communities and collective self-supply models.
Joint meeting with Cres
Once the pre-analyses are completed, a joint meeting will follow with representatives of the City of Cres and the island development agency. At this meeting, Cres will present their energy community model, share lessons learned, and align proposed next steps for Korčula.
The objective? To select priority locations and define concrete steps for launching pilot projects that will bring measurable benefits to local budgets, institutions, citizens, and businesses — from lower energy costs to improved resilience and security of supply.
ISLET – a tool for island transition
This initiative is part of the broader ISLET project framework, aimed at accelerating a just energy transition on Mediterranean islands. The project provides technical and organizational support to local authorities, develops transferable models, and creates practical how-to guides.
By replicating the successful approach from Cres, Korčula gains a clear pathway toward community-led clean energy production and long-term emission reduction, with strong community engagement.
ISLET project is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101120073.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Photo by Lukas Kosc