As the Horizon Europe funded MAESHA project enters its final phase, European islands are stepping up their efforts to turn lessons into lasting change. Designed to demonstrate smart and flexible solutions for a decarbonised energy future, the MAESHA project has had its roots firmly planted in Mayotte, and has since flourished into a network of “follower islands,” each tailoring the project’s tested models to their unique realities.
Among these is Gozo, Malta’s sister island, which only just a few days ago hosted a dedicated workshop aimed at exploring pathways towards its own energy transition.
The Gozo event formed part of a closing series of localised engagements across participating islands. Organised in collaboration with the Gozo Business Chamber and supported by Greening the Islands, the workshop convened local authorities, national agencies, technical experts and key stakeholders for a workshop of rich discussion and knowledge exchange.
Proceedings began with welcoming remarks from local representatives and key stakeholders, followed by a keynote from our chair, Gianni Chianetta, reinforcing the strategic importance of island-specific models of sustainability. The context and trajectory of MAESHA were then set out by Boris Heinz of Technische Universität Berlin, who offered a comprehensive overview of the project’s vision and achievements thus far.
One of the central moments of the workshop focused on Gozo’s current energy landscape, with key insights drawn from data collected through MAESHA’s local engagement. This was followed by a detailed technical analysis evaluating how the solutions trialled in Mayotte could be adapted to Gozo’s unique context, highlighting both opportunities and implementation challenges.
A high-level roundtable brought together national energy authorities, climate policy experts and strategic advisors to reflect on these findings. Their discussion underscored the complexity of Gozo’s energy transition, but also pointed towards a clear path forward; one that hinges on coordination, long-term investment and policy alignment to turn ambition into action. Now that the diagnostic work is complete, the focus must shift from analysis to action.
The workshop has laid a concrete foundation for aligning local priorities with tested, scalable solutions. What’s next is a coordinated push to implement pilot initiatives, mobilise resources and foster continued collaboration between public institutions, researches and other relevant stakeholders.
As MAESHA prepares to close, Gozo’s real work is just beginning and with the right support, it stands to become a Mediterranean benchmark for resilient, renewable-powered island development.
