Study on design of a Horizon 2020 inducement prize for the promotion of renewable energy on islands : final prize design report

The European Commission (EC) DG RTD launched this study to examine the idea to introduce an inducement and/or recognition prize for the promotion of renewable energy (RE) on islands within the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020 of the European Union. The underlying principle to this idea was "to create a fully renewable island in all sectors". Taking into account these considerations, this means that for islands to win the prize not only their electricity sector but also heating & cooling as well as transport would need to be largely based on renewables. The present report analyses the feasibility of the prize idea and provides based on desk research of the current technology status the design for a complete Horizon 2020 prize proposal. The result of the analysis of the state-of-the-art of renewable energies islands, the challenges and barriers as well as the feedback from stakeholders and experts was that both an inducement and a recognition prize are feasible, inspiring and attractive for islands. Depending on the timeline of the prize scheme, population size and energy demand of islands, it should be possible to achieve the close to 100% RE goal in all sectors. Based on the findings, the eligibility and award criteria for both prize schemes were defined in detail. It is proposed that European islands are eligible, their size depending on the scheme and the timing of the launch. The report concludes with a communication plan which supports all phases of the prize from publishing of the call to the award of the prize.