NEREUS and FEDARENE organised the online infosession “Space4Energy” on 24 September 2026, bringing together representatives from public authorities, regional energy agencies, research organisations, and industry to explore how space-based technologies can support regional energy planning, infrastructure resilience, renewable energy deployment, and the transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems.
The webinar was opened by Roya Ayazi, Secretary General of NEREUS, and Valentina Alberti, Senior Project Officer at FEDARENE. The discussion focused on the needs and priorities of energy authorities at local and regional level, and on how Earth Observation and satellite-based services can be integrated into energy management workflows.
The examples presented showcased practical applications in wildfire risk prevention around energy infrastructure, monitoring of large and remote hydroelectric networks, regional energy-transition planning, and solar-resource assessment and forecasting. The session also highlighted the importance of cooperation between public authorities, the space and energy sectors, research organisations, and regional stakeholders to develop innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions.
Contributions came from a range of regional authorities, research organisations, and technology developers (presentations and further information are available below):
• Canary Islands: José A. Costoya López, Coordinator at the General Directorate of Institutional Coordination and Strategic Projects of the Canary Islands Government, provided a short introduction and regional perspective on energy management priorities and challenges. (download the presentation).
• ITC (Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias): Gonzalo Piernavieja Izquierdo, R&D Director at ITC, presented the experience of the Canary Islands in energy planning, with a focus on “Strategic roadmaps for regional energy transition, forecasting & prediction”, followed by a Q&A. (download the presentation).
• Catalonia – SAPIC project: Jorge Calvin, Commercial Director at Lobelia, presented the SAPIC project and its use of Earth Observation to assess and predict wildfire risk and severity around energy infrastructure, supporting more resilient energy network management.
• Catalonia – TIAFA project: Dr. Nicola Palombo, EO Data Scientist at MOAI Analytics, presented the TIAFA project, which uses satellite imagery and machine learning to detect water leaks in hydroelectric canal networks and support more efficient and resilient infrastructure management.
• North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency (REGEA): Karlo Vinković, Junior Project Manager at REGEA, shared the agency’s perspective and experience in addressing regional energy challenges and supporting the energy transition.
• University of Patras: Andreas Kazantzidis, Professor at the University of Patras and Member of the Board of Directors of the International Solar Energy Society, presented “Space-based Solar Resource Intelligence for Regional Energy Planning and Forecasting”, highlighting how satellite observations, atmospheric data, ground measurements, and AI-based forecasting can support solar-energy planning, PV integration, grid flexibility, and climate-resilient energy strategies. (download the presentation).
Watch here the full discussion.
