Building on the positive experience of the Short Study Tours organised under the previous H2020 NESOI project, NESOI Plus will offer a renewed and enhanced programme of Study Tours designed to strengthen local capacities and provide hands‑on learning opportunities for emerging Energy Communities in the EU Outermost Regions. As in NESOI, participation will be intentionally limited to ensure high-quality interaction, personalised guidance, and effective knowledge exchange between experts and beneficiaries.

In NESOI Plus, selected initiatives from the two Open Calls will be invited to participate in Short Study Tours (SST), immersive four‑day training experiences combining technical visits, expert sessions, and peer‑to‑peer exchange. These tours aim to deepen participants’ understanding of key aspects of Energy Community development, including the regulatory framework, available financial instruments, technical solutions such as solar, wind, biogas or energy efficiency measures, and engagement strategies for involving local communities.

Two SSTs will be organised during NESOI Plus, each with a specific thematic focus.

The first Study Tour will centre on regulatory and financial topics, ensuring that beneficiaries gain direct exposure to European frameworks and engage with relevant stakeholders. For this reason, the tour may take place in Brussels, where many institutions, networks, and experts active in the energy transition are based.

The second Study Tour will focus on technical solutions and community engagement approaches, and will be held on an island territory that reflects similar conditions and challenges to those faced by the NESOI PLus pilot regions. Preference will be given to an Outermost Region, and preliminary options include Las Palmas, located in the Canary Islands and offering strong community initiatives and logistical accessibility. Crete is also considered as an alternative venue, thanks to its active energy community ecosystem and previous involvement in the H2020 NESOI project.

These Study Tours form an integral part of the NESOI Plus learning‑by‑doing approach. Through the two public Open Calls, 30 beneficiary initiatives will be selected, and their participation in the SSTs will help accelerate their development, enhance replicability, and strengthen local ownership of Energy Community projects across the Outermost Regions.

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