During the week of 12–16 May 2025, the Minoan Energy Community participated in the “Renewable Energy Days” of the CreteValley project, held in the context of the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), in collaboration with the Region of Crete and the project’s 40 partners.
The initiative aimed both to present to the wider public the innovative renewable‑energy solutions being developed in Crete under the CreteValley project, and to spark discussions on key topics such as energy justice, sustainability, and diversity.
On the morning of Tuesday, 13 May, at the Loggia, participants—including citizens and school groups—had the opportunity to tour the exhibition guided by technical partners of the project, such as the Minoan Energy Community, the Hellenic Mediterranean University, and EUNICE. Visitors learned about the renewable‑energy technologies that will be implemented in the project’s pilot areas in Crete (Arvi, Atherinolakkos, Arkalochori, and the Lassithi Plateau) and experienced the interactive virtual‑reality (VR) environment developed specifically for CreteValley.
Later that afternoon, another thematic session of the “Living Lab” of the Renewable Energy Valley took place at the Atlantis Hotel. Citizens, students, institutional representatives, and local‑government officials joined an open discussion on diversity—both in terms of end‑users (income levels, professional backgrounds) and the motivations that lead them to choose renewable energy solutions.
Interactive exercises across three discussion tables kept interest high, focusing on how Crete can evolve into a sustainable, independent energy system that harnesses its renewable resources for the benefit of local communities.
On Wednesday, an entrepreneurship training workshop was held at the Bizrupt venue, focusing on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and startups in developing effective market‑entry strategies. The workshop targeted young entrepreneurs, SMEs, undergraduate and postgraduate students, investors, and members of the innovation ecosystem.
The event included interactive sessions led by Deloitte, along with presentations and case studies that helped participants explore ways to transform innovative solutions into viable business models.
The Minoan Energy Community continues to promote and implement the vision of Energy Democracy, with the steady support of the Region of Crete and in close collaboration with the business and industrial sectors, as well as the technical, research, and academic community.
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