Welcome & Introduction

Recording of Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | The smarter E Europe 2024 | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 5:07 .

Final Session of OffGrid Conference Explores 100% Renewable Opportunities and Challenges in Remote Environments with Experts Lea Dunst, Senator Lisa Cummins, and Gianni Chianetta.

The session is the concluding part of the OffGrid conference, organized by Intersolar and SmarterE, and also serves as an introduction to the OffGrid Power workshop starting tomorrow. Lea Dunst from the German Solar Association moderates this event focusing on "Pioneering 100% renewables: OffGrid opportunities and challenges in island and remote environments." Remote areas face extensive hurdles with high fossil fuel dependency due to exorbitant transportation costs, resulting in steep electricity prices. Notably, some regions like El Hierro use a substantial portion of their electricity for essential services such as water desalination. Despite potential cost advantages of renewable energy (RE), its adoption can be complicated by economic constraints in less prosperous areas or those with poor credit conditions. However, SIDS (Small Island Developing States) remain ambitious about RE targets; Barbados aims for zero emissions by 2030. Senator Lisa Cummins shares insights into these goals while Gianni Chianetta discusses adaptable pathways toward achieving them based on his extensive experience in global renewable energy projects through initiatives like Greening the Islands Foundation.

_{Automated summarization by AI Conver}

Speaker

Lea Dunst
International Project Manager
BSW - German Solar Association
Germany

Talk of session: Off-Grid: Pioneering 100% Renewables: Opportunities and Challenges of Off-Grid in Island and Remote Environments

Small islands and remote areas contend with heightened costs in energy and its access, water, and waste, exacerbated by climate change. Scaling renewables, creating decentralized smart grids, and integrating storage solutions emerge as pivotal strategies to bolster resilience and spur socio-economic development. Islands and remote areas, serving as testbeds, exemplify the feasibility of decarbonization. This panel discussion provides a platform to delve into these specific insights from islands and remote areas, shedding light on the transformative role of renewables in empowering communities, accelerating transitions, and serving as models for sustainable development.