Azores Archipelago Joins NESOI Plus Initiative to Fast-Track Sustainable Energy Transition

In January 2026, the Government of the Azores formally announced its participation in the European NESOI Plus mechanism, a strategic move designed to bolster the energy transition across peripheral island territories. This initiative, which is overseen by the European Commission’s European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), will provide the archipelago with a dedicated funding package of 117,000 euros. These resources are specifically earmarked to accelerate the region's decarbonization efforts and enhance local energy security through modern infrastructure.

The NESOI Plus project, which stands for "New Energy Solutions Optimized for Islands," is scheduled to remain active until August 2028. It operates with a comprehensive budget of approximately 1.7 million euros, co-financed through the European Union's LIFE program. The primary mission of this mechanism is to assist the most remote regions of the EU in overcoming the unique challenges posed by their geographic isolation. By building on the success of its predecessor, the original NESOI project—which supported more than 70 island-based energy transition initiatives—NESOI Plus aims to foster long-term sustainable progress across the continent's maritime borders.

To achieve these goals, the mechanism offers a multifaceted support system that includes specialized training, technical expertise, and direct financial assistance. The core objective is to convert existing Sustainable Energy Action Plans into tangible, bankable projects that can be implemented on the ground. These efforts focus on several key areas:

• The development of new renewable energy generation facilities.
• The modernization of aging local infrastructure and grid systems.
• The reduction of electricity costs for local residents and businesses.

The coordination of this new phase is led by the Italian firm Sinloc, which brings extensive experience in providing technical assistance for regional energy transition strategies.

The NESOI Plus consortium is a collaborative effort involving nine partners from six European nations: Italy, Belgium, Spain, Greece, France, and Portugal. The Azores have been selected as one of three primary pilot regions, alongside the Canary Islands in Spain and Martinique in France, to test the innovative "One-Stop-Shop" model for sustainable island energy development. This pilot stage will involve the launch of two open calls to select up to 30 local initiatives, ensuring that the services provided are refined to meet diverse local requirements. The broader initiative was officially inaugurated during a meeting held on October 7–8, 2025, in Venice.

According to the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility, and Infrastructure of the Azores, the newly secured funding will serve as a vital instrument for strengthening the archipelago's energy resilience. By participating in NESOI Plus, the Azores archipelago reaffirms its commitment to developing more sustainable and robust energy solutions that align with the broader objectives of the European Green Deal. This partnership highlights the region's proactive role in the continental shift toward a carbon-neutral future and long-term environmental sustainability.