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The broad goals for the network are:

1. To improve the capability of energy-using communities in isolated areas of the Nordic region to access sustainable energy solutions by creating and stimulating a network of relevant and motivated stakeholders.

2. To provide a framework for communication and knowledge sharing and become a forum for motivated participants who want to find and access relevant partners and the knowledge and skills required to 'get sustainable energy projects happening' in isolated areas of the Nordic region.

3. To develop specific education programs, in collaboration with our University partners (DTU, UNIS), that will build the long-term capabilities of isolated communities in the Nordic region.

Our approach to developing the network:

1. To learn from the efforts of others in developing similar networks for sustainable energy solutions and/or isolated communities.

2. To develop a network and associated web resource that is highly relevant to our intended audience/users and is seen as an efficient and useful source of information and contacts.

3. To apply our limited resources in an effective way that results in a high impact on issues where specific assistance is needed in relation to the transfer of sustainable energy solutions to isolated and remote communities in the Nordic region (and related areas).

We will achieve this by being focused in our efforts, having defined goals, tasks and boundaries for our activities, and looking for effective opportunities. Harnessing resources and networks that are already available will be a key component of the approach, along with working closely with our partners.

The expected participants and stakeholders in the network:

Communities in the Nordic region provide a simple geographic focus for the network. Improving access to more sustainable methods of meeting the energy needs of these communities is the operational focus of the network.

The network will focus on improving access to sustainable energy solutions for communities in the Nordic region that can be defined as isolated, and therefore lacking access to conventional large-scale energy infrastructure. Such communities would include island, coastal and inland communities without access to national electricity networks. In some areas of the Nordic region, particularly Norway, national electricity grid access is available for many isolated communities. However, such communities are still of interest to the network as their isolated locations make them more vulnerable to disruption to supply disruptions from the network and other energy services (such as vehicle fuels) remain an area of concern.

The network activities also relate to similar activities in other geographic areas where cold temperatures (the Arctic, North Atlantic, Antarctica) or isolated locations (island communities around the world) have specific impacts on community access to sustainable energy solutions. The network will therefore integrate with initiatives in these regions where and when appropriate.

The expected participants of the network include any person or organization with an interest in accessing or providing access to better or more sustainable energy services for isolated communities in the Nordic region and surrounding areas.

The list is anticipated to include parties with expertise in or interest in:

1. General sustainability issues for remote communities

2. Access to sustainable energy solutions

3. experiences and lessons or methods and procedures that relate to sustainable energy use in communities in the Nordic region (and similar locations).

4. Education about energy issues at all levels, including tertiary, research, industry, schools, the general public/community and governments.

5. Research related to energy use in the Nordic region, such as on sustainable energy and supporting technologies, modelling of energy systems and resources, policy development and application, community and social issues, resource mapping, and technology implementation/transfer.

6. Financial issues related to the deployment of sustainable energy technologies in remote communities, such as researchers, initiators of demonstration projects, financial institutions, developers of commercial projects, environmental interest groups, and even insurance companies.

7. Supply of relevant technologies, such as wind, solar and micro-hydro technologies, efficient building designs, energy-efficient procedures etc..

 

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