Energy security, affordability, resilience, economic opportunities and a better quality of life were among the key themes highlighted by Noel Formosa, Vice-President of Gozo, Mayor of San Lawrenz and EU Covenant Ambassador for Malta, when speaking at the Homegrown Energy webinar on Energy Communities in Islands, jointly organised by the EU Covenant of Mayors and the ISLET project.
Formosa underlined that islands face unique challenges, including dependence on imported energy, limited economies of scale, higher costs, vulnerability to climate change and connectivity constraints. At the same time, he stressed that islands can serve as innovation laboratories, benefiting from strong community engagement and the ability to pilot solutions quickly, demonstrating what works on the ground.
"Islands should not simply adapt to the energy transition; islands can help lead it," said Noel Formosa. He highlighted the role of local authorities as the level of government closest to citizens, capable of building trust, leading by example and encouraging behavioural change.
Drawing on the experience of San Lawrenz, he pointed to the locality's commitment to sustainability through renewable energy initiatives, sustainable mobility projects and the integration of climate action into local decision-making. Formosa also stressed the value of the Covenant of Mayors in enabling municipalities to share best practices, learn from one another and turn European objectives into local action.
He called for island-proof policies, better access to funding and greater recognition of territorial realities, concluding that cooperation and the exchange of knowledge are essential to building a more sustainable, resilient and energy-independent future for Europe's islands.
The webinar formed part of the Homegrown Energy engagement action launched by the EU Covenant of Mayors, which aims to support municipalities across Europe in developing local renewable energy production and energy communities. Through a series of webinars and exchanges of best practices, the initiative encourages local authorities and citizens to view energy as a resource that can be produced, managed and shared locally, strengthening resilience, reducing dependence on imported energy and accelerating the clean energy transition. The session on Energy Communities in Islands brought together local leaders and practitioners to showcase successful community-led renewable energy initiatives and discuss solutions tailored to the specific realities of island territories.