ManagEnergy Workshop: How can Energy Agencies make the most out of new opportunities?

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1113 Last modified by the author on 17/03/2020 - 10:10
ManagEnergy Workshop:  How can Energy Agencies make the most out of new opportunities?

The workshop “New opportunities for Energy Agencies” was organised in the context of the ManagEnergy initiative. It took place during the World Sustainable Energy Days in Wels, Austria, in March 4-6th. ManagEnergy is the European Commission initiative for helping regional and local energy agencies to become leaders in the energy transition and to increase sustainable energy investments in regions and cities. The focus of ManagEnergy, originally launched in 2002, is now on sustainable energy investments.

Gathering key stakeholders, the workshop aimed at providing Energy Agencies with tailored solutions to embrace new opportunities in the framework of the Green Deal. Representatives discussed in groups on how, at the local and regional level, Energy Agencies can trigger further investments and opportunities in new fields. More than 50 participants took part in the event, amongst which 20 energy agencies, sharing their experience with the audience and highlighting the incredible work done at the local and regional level to finance the energy transition.

The workshop was moderated by Vlasta Krmelj, who underlined the key role of Energy Agencies “in catalysing change for the Energy Transition”. The event aimed at developing exchanges and partnership between local and regional stakeholders in the Energy sector. Rados Horacek, from DG ENER started with several developments on EU funding opportunities dedicated to Energy Agencies through the Green Deal.

Christiane Egger, representative of the Austrian OÖ Energiesparverband specifically adressed the capacity of energy Agencies to trigger the Energy transition.  Amongst the participants, several FEDARENE members provided their insights and explained how their experience could play a major role regarding the Energy transition.

  • KSSENA ,explained how can Hydrogen represent an opportunity, and how to develop an integrated hydrogen economy at the local level. The INEAS project will develop a replicable, balanced and integrated hydrogen economy through the facilitation of investments into market-ready hydrogen technologies. It relies especially on the construction of a scheme involving both municipalities, energy producers, transport companies and financing structures. The long term ambition is indeed to allow for the transformation of the valley into an “Hydrogen Valley” focusing on grid stability and pollution reduction.
  • The Cyprus Energy Agency presented its YENESIS project, targetting Islands specific situation regarding Youth employment and climate change. The project received a 2.3M€ grant from the EEA (European Energy Agency) and Norway fund for youth employment. YENESIS main objective is to reduce unemployment of young people between 25-29 by creating green jobs in islands in the four areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and mobility.
  • The Bucharest Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection Agency targeted the specific challenges encountered by large cities regarding the Energy Transition. They gave the example of thermal rehabilitation in Bucharest, aiming at more energy-efficient multi-residential buildings. The project took part in an overall Sustainable Energy Action Plan called “Marathon 2020: start the long run for a green future“.  The renovation program took place between 2009 and 2018, addressing several objectives such as a 50% energy consumption decrease, and a 35% CO2 emission per m2 decrease. Future steps of the project should especially address consumer awareness regarding costs reduction thanks to building’s energy performances.
  • The Greater Stockholm Energy Agency. made its presentation about power system flexibility and the opportunities it creates for municipalities, especially due to the Swedish context regarding outdated grid facilities. The project should, therefore, allow for an increased local energy production and flexibility. It targets peak hours to avoid future shortages, as well as bottlenecks to protect where the shortage can occur. Overall, the aim is to allow new commercial properties and housing areas to connect to the grid in a more efficient way.
  • The Medjimurje Energy Agency developed on the importance of citizen engagement, through the ENES-CE project. This Interreg project promotes EE and RES in public sector, industry, SMEs and private housing sector. 20. Mil € investment should target the energy refurbishment of public buildings in the county.

Were also addressed other topics, such as financing scheme for deep renovation of multi-family houses. 

Following those presentations, the event took a practical turn. The participants discussed in groups how local and regional Energy Agencies can develop new action fields to trigger further investments in the Energy Transition.

The workshop successfully marked the 3rd Networking event held in the context of the ManagEnergy Initiative!

You can read more of those success stories from Energy Agencies on the Managenergy Website, highlighting the incredible work done at the local and regional level to finance the energy transition. Check here for the next Managenergy events, webinars and conference!

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