The Azores presented the regional projects developed in the field of geothermal energy to the representatives of Outermost Region (ORs) at the first International Meeting on Renewable Energy (CAN 2015), held in Tenerife. The event was organised by the Regional Government of the Canary Islands and ACER - Canary Renewable Energy Association.

The Azores were represented by the Regional Director for Energy, José Rosa Nunes, who presented the level of penetration of renewable energy on each of the islands of the archipelago and also at a global level. In this context, the project on electricity production from geothermal energy raised the interest of the representatives of ORs, particularly as regards the economic and environmental impact.

The Regional Energy Director also attended two meetings promoted by the President of the Regional Government of the Canary Islands, which took place in parallel to the works of the meeting. These two meetings addressed the new energy paradigm, focusing on aspects such as the rational use of energy, decarbonisation, the increase and diversification of renewable energy as well as the need for more efficient and cleaner technologies in the most critical economic sectors, such as the transport sector. The initiative counted on the participation of technicians from the Government of the Canary Islands and companies operating in the energy sector.

The CAN 2015 was primarily intended to promote a discussion on an eventual agreement between Outermost Regions for the creation of an energy network that streamlines the connection between each region as well as the connection between them and the European Union.

Each participant presented the situation in its region regarding the use of renewable energy for electricity generation and the growth perspectives.

Under article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Outermost Regions have a special status in the energy sector. This allows them to create high-end technological centres in the field of renewable energy and complementary technologies, with links to research and development, such as the case of the centre located in the Canary Islands. Now, it is important to define strategies towards the future creation of similar centres in other Outermost Region, thus promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

The representatives attending the meeting conveyed their interest in the formal implementation of this network, as proposed by the Canary Islands and identified as Energy Network of Outermost Regions. This network will allow ORs to maximise the allocation of funds for the implementation of projects and accomplish the Community goals for energy, through the implementation of programmes such as H2020, among others.