On 3 June 2025, IMDEA Energy took part in the international event “Clean Energy in the Mediterranean: Powering Research,” organised by Xjenza Malta at the Planetarium Hall of the Bighi Complex in Kalkara (Malta). This meeting, held as part of the Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) activities, brought together researchers, institutional representatives, energy sector professionals, and other key stakeholders to analyse and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the transition towards clean energy systems in the Mediterranean region.

Milan Prodanovic, Head of the Electrical Systems Analysis Unit, attended as a speaker in the Session: Powering Islands: Integrated Energy Systems for Sustainable Transition. During his presentation, Dr Prodanovic introduced the European project HVDC4ISLANDS, which aims to develop and study advanced technologies based on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and hybrid DC/AC systems for the creation of reconfigurable energy islands.

In his presentation, Milan highlighted how these technologies can improve the stability and flexibility of island electrical systems, facilitating the integration of renewable sources and enabling efficient and multifaceted management of energy demand. He also explained the progress in developing solutions for interoperability between grids, protection and control adapted to different scenarios, as well as the necessary techno-economic-environmental evaluation for their future deployment.

The HVDC4ISLANDS project seeks to demonstrate the unique potential of energy islands to accelerate the deployment of renewables both on land and at sea, providing flexible options for grid interconnection and new pathways for trading through energy storage, power-to-X technologies, and other innovative services. Expected outcomes include validation of the concept of expandable and reconfigurable energy islands and the development of guidelines to ensure interoperability and system stability in various scenarios.

This event in Malta provided an ideal platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience among international experts, fostering collaborations that help drive technological innovation and build a more sustainable and resilient energy future in the Mediterranean area.