Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

The majority of energy-intensive small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently groping in the dark about how they could switch to the use of renewable energy sources. It is not clear to SMEs which suppliers should be identified and used, in which part of the energy transformation process, or how accessible or reliable these suppliers are (due to the uneven levels of supplier qualification and access systems in the Danube countries). They are also not offered any support in clearly understanding which steps they need to take – depending on their level of operation and maturity – to switch to the use of renewables. This is all taking place in the middle of an energy crisis when the need to decarbonise SMEs has increased drastically. The goal of the project is to create a pilot network of regional/countrywide service centers in order to support energy-intensive SMEs in accelerating the transition to adopting renewable energies. Corresponding outputs can be achieved only through transnational collaboration: an energy transition roadmap answering diverse company maturity and situations, model operation of Green Energy Knowledge, Operation and Service Hubs (GEKOS) assuring single-channel service, equipped with a cross-border green energy database and marketplace. Due to scalability, we must meet the needs of SMEs that are only just considering their energy transition, as well as those that are already at the forefront of this. The final aim of the project is to create both national and transnational strategies/toolkits on how the diverse SME segments can be better supported in the increased use of renewables. The novelty of the project is the efficient service methodology for SMEs based on a combination of massive energy knowledge and the single-channel service of real SME needs and access. This is also reflected by the structure of the partnership, namely the symbiotic collaboration of energy agencies and business support organisations.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The first reporting period focused on laying a strong foundation for the successful implementation of the SMEnergy project and fostering collaboration among partners. This effort began with the project’s first in-person meeting, held on 6. and 7. of February 2024, in Ptuj, Slovenia, complemented by regular online meetings. Effective management was key to the project’s progress, with the Lead Partner providing internal management guidelines, including a risk matrix and monitoring tools. The LP also oversaw day-to-day management, supported partners in the reporting process, and assisted SO Leaders in their activities. Due to strong collaboration among partners and the Joint Secretariat, the partnership successfully completed the partner change process. Under SO1, the project initiated the development of a standardized framework for SMEnergy services, focusing on renewable energy use in the Danube Region. Detailed research was conducted to identify barriers, use cases, and solutions for SMEs, leading to the creation of a common methodology (R2) and services, ensuring consistency across all partners. Stakeholder engagement commenced through surveys and. High-energy-intensive SMEs, energy agencies, business support organizations, and decision-makers were identified as key interview subjects. The project is also developing an integrated best practice guide for SMEs and green energy suppliers, as well as a guide for institutions to further support the transition. SO2 is in its preparatory phase, with full activities planned for the next reporting period. The SO2 leader, DEX IC, developed an initial draft of the methodological framework for engaging SMEs, including a tailored communication strategy for Activity 2.1 and the overall SO2 approach. EIfI-Tech also prepared a communication strategy for SMEnergy, outlining key messages, target audiences, and communication tools. Partners received instructions and templates to share regional information and publish updates. After the first reporting period, we can confidently say that this transnational collaboration adds significant value by pooling diverse expertise from the Danube Region. It allows the development of flexible, scalable solutions that address regional differences while supporting the green transition of SMEs. By engaging a wide range of stakeholders, the project ensures that solutions are robust and applicable at both local and transnational levels. The second reporting period of the SMEnergy project marked great progress in advancing objectives and strengthening collaboration. Building on the foundation established in first reporting period, activities focused on methodologies, and stakeholder engagement. Regular online meetings facilitated coordination, while an in-person project meeting in Podersdorf on 25.-26. September 2024 helped align tasks and prepare for pilot implementation. Project management remained effective, with the Lead Partner providing guidance on internal processes and reporting. Under SO1, efforts refined the SMEnergy service framework (Wireframe of future services) to address SME barriers in adopting renewable energy. By the end of the reporting period, this specific objective was finalized, with the first project output successfully achieved. A transnational analysis identified key challenges, complemented by stakeholder engagement through surveys and interviews. A best practice guides for SMEs and institutions was compiled to support the energy transition. Under SO2, the project moved into concrete implementation steps. The SO2 leader, DEX IC, finalized a tailored communication strategy and developed a stakeholder management package, integrating information into a CRM database for structured engagement. Piloting partners were paired to foster collaboration, and SMEs were engaged for initial pilot activities. A structured methodology for pilot development was introduced and refined through discussions and consultations. Partners contributed by sharing regional insights, publishing materials, and engaging stakeholders. Communication efforts emphasized the relevance of SMEnergy innovations in reducing energy consumption, leveraging digital outreach to inform stakeholders. The value of transnational cooperation became evident, with the consortium developing scalable solutions adaptable to different regional contexts. Looking ahead, the project remains focused on refining its framework, launching pilot activities, and strengthening stakeholder collaboration to support SME energy transition in the Danube Region. The third reporting period of the SMEnergy project marked a shift from framework development to concrete pilot implementation, supported by strong communication and stakeholder engagement. Project management and coordination remained effective, with five online meetings and the 3rd Steering Committee and Partner Meeting in Liberec (12.–13. March 2025) ensuring progress on both management and technical activities. Dissemination efforts intensified through regular website and social media updates, newsletters, and tailored campaigns around major events, notably the SMEnergy Connect conference in Liberec and the transnational webinar “Unlocking SME Energy Potential”. These activities broadened visibility and strengthened stakeholder involvement across the Danube Region. Under SO2, partners launched pilot activities, refined methodologies, and populated the SMEnergy platform with experts, suppliers, and best practices (case studies). Paired coaching sessions supported knowledge exchange, while regional initiatives such as SME information days, mentoring sessions, and demonstration events engaged SMEs in testing renewable energy solutions and exploring funding opportunities. Communication campaigns and stakeholder dialogues advanced the sustainability dimension of the project, engaging policymakers and business associations in discussions on scaling and embedding SMEnergy solutions. The period highlighted the value of transnational cooperation, as partners combined local activities with shared learning to accelerate the SME energy transition in the Danube Region (as part of SO3).

Project outputs: Organisations cooperating across borders in preparation for the joint SMEnergy model
Connected and under Result 1(EN)
Piloting Energy Transition Roadmap for SMEs(EN)
Piloting the green energy database and market place(EN)
Piloting the operation of Green Energy Knowledge, Operation and Service Hubs (GEKOS) and their networks(EN)
Validated SMEnergy model and GEKOS operation guidelines on country level(EN)
Validated general SMEnergy model and GEKOS operation guideline(EN)
SMEnergy transnational model and implementation strategy(EN)
Partner-level action plans for the implementation of GEKOS strategy(EN)

Thematic information

Renewable energy SME and entrepreneurship

Priority: (VI-B_D_2) Priority 2 - A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.2. Promoting renewable energy in accordance with Directive (EU) 2018/2001, including the sustainability criteria set out therein

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 046 Support to entities that provide services contributing to the low carbon economy and to resilience to climate change, including awareness-raising measures

Partners (11)

Lead Partner: Lokalna energetska agentura Spodnje Podravje

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI 28218728

Address: Prešernova ulica, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.lea-ptuj.si/

Total budget: EUR 253 912.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 203 130.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 782.50

Energiaklub Szakpolitikai Intézet és Módszertani Központ Egyesület

Name: Energiaklub Szakpolitikai Intézet és Módszertani Központ Egyesület

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18076592

Address: Szerb utca, 1056 Budapest, Hungary

Department address: Szerb utca, 1056 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://energiaklub.hu/en

Total budget: EUR 229 643.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 183 714.88

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 928.72

Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Landshut

Name: Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Landshut

Department: Technology Centre for Energy

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE811335517

Address: Am Lurzenhof, 84036 Landshut, Germany

Department address: Wiesenweg, 94099 Ruhstorf an der Rott, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.tz-energie.de

Total budget: EUR 244 478.94

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 195 583.15

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 48 895.79

Europäisches Institut für Innovation - Technologie e. V.

Name: Europäisches Institut für Innovation - Technologie e. V.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE281175766

Address: Universitätspark, 73525 Schwäbisch-Gmünd, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://eifi-tech.eu/

Total budget: EUR 250 250.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 200 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 050.00

Contractors:

Name: Accura audit
VAT registration or tax identification number: DE815572770

Бизнес център за подпомагане на малки и средни предприятия - Русе

Name: Бизнес център за подпомагане на малки и средни предприятия - Русе

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 117004730

Address: G.S. Rakovski Str., 7000 Ruse, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://bscsme.eu/

Total budget: EUR 149 270.04

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 119 416.03

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 854.01

Razvojna agencija Republike Srpske

Name: Razvojna agencija Republike Srpske

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4402108570003

Address: Trg jasenovačkih žrtava, 78 000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.rars-msp.org

Total budget: EUR 139 827.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 111 862.24

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 965.56

Slovak Business Agency

Name: Slovak Business Agency

Department: International Project Department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: Karadžičova, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia

Department address: Karadžičova, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.sbagency.sk

Total budget: EUR 167 121.30

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 133 697.04

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 424.26

DEX Innovation centre z.s.

Name: DEX Innovation centre z.s.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ01112589

Address: Rumjancevova, 46001 Liberec, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://dex-ic.com/

Total budget: EUR 202 663.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 130.88

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 532.72

PC-Trend Számítástechnikai Kft.

Name: PC-Trend Számítástechnikai Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU12482621

Address: Tömös utca, 1112 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.formacio.hu

Total budget: EUR 195 494.42

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 156 395.53

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 098.89

Wirtschaftsagentur Burgenland Forschungs- und Innovatins GmbH

Name: Wirtschaftsagentur Burgenland Forschungs- und Innovatins GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU 76 83 58 19

Address: Europastraße 1, 7540 Güssing, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.forschunginnovation-burgenland.at/

Total budget: EUR 217 619.04

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 174 095.23

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 523.81

Magyar Energiahatékonységi Intézet Nonprofit Kft.

Name: Magyar Energiahatékonységi Intézet Nonprofit Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU 23373242

Address: Szerb utca , 1056 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.mehi.hu

Total budget: EUR 14 833.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 11 867.12

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 2 966.78

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Energiaklub Climate Policy and Applied Communications Centre

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Landshut University of Applied Sciences

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

European Institute for Innovation – Technology

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Business Support Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises - Ruse

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Development Agency of the Republic of Srpska

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Slovak Business Agency

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

DEX Innovation centre

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

PC-Trend Ltd.

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Business Agency Burgenland Research and Innovation Ltd.

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Local Energy Agency Spodnje Podravje

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Partners and Projects info

Hungarian Energy Efficiency Agency

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Project acronym: SMEnergy

Project ID: DRP0200086

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

SME Power (EN) | LEASP has been a partner in the Interreg Europe project SME POWER, which has specifically focused on enhancing energy efficiency within SMEs. Throughout the project, significant attention has been given to addressing policy instruments to enhance their effectiveness and provide essential support to SMEs in addressing their energy-related challenges. The project has aimed to empower SMEs by offering tailored solutions and strategies to improve their energy efficiency practices.
SMEnergy can leverage the outcomes of this project in two key ways. Firstly, it can capitalise on the identified good practices that have emerged from the project. By implementing these proven strategies and approaches, SMEnergy can provide practical solutions and guidance to SMEs for enhancing their energy efficiency. These established best practices serve as a valuable foundation for supporting SMEs in their energy-related endeavours.
Secondly, SMEnergy can benefit from the communication actions that were undertaken during the project. By utilising the successful communication channels and techniques employed in the previous project, SMEnergy can effectively reach out to SMEs and raise awareness about the importance of energy sustainability. Building on the existing communication efforts, SMEnergy can disseminate information, resources, and success stories to inspire and motivate SMEs to embrace sustainable energy practices.
Incorporating these two aspects into SMEnergy's approach will enable it to build upon the achievements and lessons learned from the previous project, ultimately empowering SMEs to make significant strides in energy efficiency and sustainability.
(EN), EAP4SME (EN) | EAP4SME aims to support EU member states in establishing or improving effective policies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undergo energy audits and implement cost-effective, recommended energy-saving measures through identifying the barriers for unlocking energy efficiency measures, mobilising private stakeholders, and proposing effective solutions to realise both energy and non-energy benefits.
EAP4SME brings a Practical guide for more energy-efficient business (https://leap4sme.eu/results/energy-audits-guide/) and other deliverables. Project results and findings (https://leap4sme.eu/results/deliverables/) as a source of knowledge we can build on our cooperation with ASP and SMEs. The project, thanks to the audits, collects data about SMEs´ energy consumption that is missing in Slovakia, and we all can build on them in the future from the aspect of methodology and approach as well. (EN), SKILLBILL (EN) | SKILLBILL seeks to raise awareness and the level of education among academia, industry, decision-makers, and civil society on the urgent need to decarbonise our societies through extensive deployment of renewable energy sources (RES). This will be achieved by improving skills that can be applied in future-proof labour markets, in university education and research, as well as in innovation and the formulation of better policies that emphasise, amongst others, bridging the gender gap.
SKILLBILL brings Green Portal (https://www.skillbill-greenportal.eu/) serving as inspiration for the SMEnergy green knowledge hub and marketplace and also the opportunity to cooperate and build on the existing Platform.
The Green Portal offers a comprehensive overview of renewable energy sources and technologies, collecting info from several different web sources. The Green Portal aspiration is to support everybody in the process of better understanding renewable energy sources and technologies, and their impact on climate change. The Green Portal wants to become the point of reference for everybody, and you can help on that; discover how you can help! (EN), PROMOTER (EN) | PROMOTER enables the EU to achieve its climate neutrality and re-power, by pursuing innovative decarbonised mobility, thus contributing to a greener territorial quality.
To contribute to this change, it promotes green energy hub production at the local level supporting sustainable transport.
As energy management is strongly linked with mobility management also in the case of an SME operation, the increasing role of energy-sustainable local communities (engaged in both production & consumption), and hub digital infrastructure to monitor and guide energy performance production and consumption trends, can all play roles in the SMEnergy project.
In SMEnergy the consortium has to take the ways elaborated in PROMOTER into account: balanced diversification and reduce emissions and diseconomies, connecting together a "most appropriate use of public and/or private assets for hubs", energy generation from sustainable sources (solar, hydrogen, wind, biomass, geothermal and others) and its related distribution patterns, with “urban and peri-urban mobility” thus effectively addressing the “proximity” social inclusion.
In more detail,, there are some issues to be built on:
* how to improve the energy governance to feed green mobility issue at a company
* good practices identified during PROMOTER
* policy experiences regarding technology, financial, normative & regulatory aspects, organisational management, community empowerment
* how to promote policy solutions capable of improving the delivery of regional development policies and making them more effective and sustainable.
As DEX IC has gained significant knowledge in PROMOTER on the above issues, the consortium intends to use that in SMEnergy.
(EN), RenoHUb (EN) | The overall aim of RenoHUb project is to trigger an upscale of the energy retrofits of the Hungarian homes through the development of an integrated business model (RenoHUb) that is capable to substantially expand within and beyond the project lifecycle in an economically viable manner without involving additional public grant co-financing.
SMEnergy can draw from RenoHUb methodology and results from many aspects:
* from its baseline research: as it addresses personal decision-making mechanism (focusing on the stimuli, attitudes, and motivation), SMEnergy shall use its approach in SO1 when asking SME-leaders on very similar thoughts
* developing an integrated service model: SMEnergy shall be aware of the lessons learned, namely the paths, barriers and resources when developing its own integrated service model
* online platform and information hotspots: when designing the GEKOS operation, the developing experiences shall be taken into account.
* special focus on financing: an SME leader’s main question is how to finance the green energy transition, therefore experiences of financing, the topics, and the mode of profitability calculation will be quite interesting for the SMEnergy project as well.
(EN), FIRECE (EN) | The FIRECE Central Interreg program identified funding opportunities for low-carbon solutions in Central Europe. The project aimed to enhance the capacities of the public sector and related entities in planning territorially based low-carbon strategies. It supported the transition of the traditional industrial sector towards low-carbon energy and facilitated the achievement of regional energy-saving targets defined by EU and national legislation.
The project provided support to regional authorities, energy agencies, and regional financial agencies in developing and implementing innovative financial instruments for energy savings investments by SMEs. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 065 115.14

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 652 092.10

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Summary document of transnational analysis of SMEs' energy behaviour and situation
Best practice guide for SME
Best practice guide for institutions
Document of defined wireframe of future services through simulations
Database of SMEnergy relationship management
SMEnergy relationship and involvement management package
Design of the SMEnergy model and of its pilot
Report on pilot actions in each partner countries
Draft Validated SMEnergy model and GEKOS operation guideline on country level
Executive summary of the SMEnergy transnational model and implementation strategy
Partner-level action plan documents for the implementation of GEKOS strategy (10 pcs)
Transnational level of GEKOS network’s action plan
SMEnergy implementation guideline

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion SMEs form the backbone of the economy across the Danube region, however, their potential for energy efficiency and renewable energy use remains relatively untapped. The huge number of SMEs operating across the Danube region means that a change in their energy behaviour is an essential part of the transition and path to decarbonisation, one in which SME participation is essential.
A specific target group of SMEnergy is the group of SMEs: a silent majority that does not yet recognise the benefits of committing to decarbonisation policy and strategies and implementation.
The European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) targets the support of all countries within the region to meet their national targets in order to reach 30% renewables share overall. As the industrial sector is responsible for roughly one-third of GHG emissions in the EU and SMEs represent the largest share of EU businesses providing the majority of jobs and turnover, the strong influence of SMEs on the sustainable energy transition is apparent.
Nonetheless, energy efficiency management and renewables share remain topics that are rarely addressed by SMEs hampering the overall transition towards renewables, energy efficiency, and security of supply and ultimately “net zero” EU policy targets. SMEnergy addresses the (EUSDR) across a range of actions in energy priority area 2 (PA2).
SMEnergy specifically addresses (EUSDR) actions 1,2,3,4,6, 8 & 9. Through the implementation and use of the SMEnergy Platform, Green Energy Knowledge, Operation and Service Hubs (GEKOS), SMEnergy is precisely focused on PA2 of (EUSDR) as SME Energy commits to launching cutting-edge technological developments that will increase the energy efficiency of the Danube region and enhance the use of renewable energy sources in SMEs.
EuropeanGreenDeal In December 2020 the EU agreed to increase its climate ambition under the European Green Deal, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, which necessarily has led to the upward revision of 2030 targets, from a 40 to 55% cut in GHG emissions.
As Europe is home to 25 million SMEs – making up 99 percent of all businesses – energy efficiency policies and implementation for SMEs are vital to meeting the targets set out in the EU Green Deal.
SMEs are increasingly aware of the benefits of circular business models and clean energy production which bring cost reductions and new business opportunities to SMEs, making them more competitive as a by-product. Enabling factors and conditions are necessary to speed up the transition and foster SMEs’ green innovation and growth.
SMEnergy sees the platform, Green Energy Knowledge, Operation and Service Hubs (GEKOS) as the vehicle to provide the aforementioned, and in doing so support the EU Green Deal. One exploitable identified characteristic is the interconnection of businesses in the Danube region, e.g. via energy infrastructure, supply chains, and trade. This established vector can be utilised to raise awareness and instigate cooperation towards sustainable efficient energy utilisation. In this way, the self-sustaining network can be tapped and utilised to inform stakeholders of supporting tools and capacity-building measures from within the companies’ existing networks and contacts, knowledge, and experience. Thus, activities and strategies directed at fostering sustainable and efficient energy utilisation in SMEs can strongly impact the Danube regional economies.
SME Energy understands that The Green Deal will only be successful if it creates the right conditions for new business opportunities for SMEs, this is recognised and has been given due consideration in the rollout of (GEKOS), with a clear acknowledgment of the Energy Just Transition.
TerritorialAgenda2030 Industrial stakeholders in the Danube region are facing the same difficulties and challenges to adapt to a greener economy and increased sustainable energy utilisation and efficiency. While the industrial sector represents a high share of the Danube region's economic output, few countries have defined industry-specific targets in their National Energy and Climate Plans NECPs. Less than half of the Danube regions (NECPs) provide numerical estimates for the expected level and composition of industrial energy consumption in 2030, with no specific mention of the contribution that SMEs can make.
There is a common feature across all Danube territories with respect to SMEs, this is the lack of expertise, time, and resources, together with a shortage of specific and tailor-made energy efficiency policies that directly target SMEs. This often prevents SMEs from carrying out proper energy audits and adopting energy conservation measures, which is a detriment to them and also the environment.
The Territorial Agenda 2030 provides a framework to promote territorial cohesion which is required in the scope of the SMEnergy project. SMEnergy is aligned with the Territorial Agenda 2023, as evidence of the need for SMEnergy to respond to the increasing pressure concerning
sustainable development and climate change, especially secure, affordable and sustainable energy consumed by SMEs, in a just transition.
By Aligning to the Territorial Agenda framework SMEnergy strengthens the energy innovation capacities in all partner regions, including local/regional strategies for energy transition through the SMEnergy Platform, Green Energy Knowledge, Operation and Service Hubs (GEKOS).
Other According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), SMEs account for at least 13 percentage of global final energy consumption annually and energy efficiency improvements are to provide 40 percent of the reduction in energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 18 years. The unlocked energy savings that could be achieved in SMEs with existing best available technologies and practices are up to the 30% of their consumption, hence the vital role that SMEnergy can play in the Danube region.
The SMEnergy project shall encourage and contribute to regional operational plans by demonstrating energy efficiency actions on SMEs lead to energy savings that have a positive economic impact on the SMEs also, and a series of indirect benefits such as reduction of waste generation, water consumption, GHG emissions and an improvement of the working environment. Europe 2030 climate and energy framework and Energy Union Strategy, an increasing attempt to spread the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in the Danube Region is obvious.
The available biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal resource base varies significantly across the Danube region, therefore mapping the energy landscape and making this available to SMEnergy target groups to fully understand the potential of their part in regions and issues the macro-region is facing will contribute to decarbonisation in the Danube Region. Regional cooperation and harmonised actions through the developed SMEnergy Platform, Green Energy Knowledge, Operation and Service Hubs (GEKOS) provides a single channel service that is necessary in order to reduce the energy consumption in SMEs.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 18.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 413 / 1 413 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

Service centers and transformation path for a bigger share of renewable energy use of SMEs

Description

Thematic information

Partners (11)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer