Open Invitation: Interreg Danube SMEnergy Conference “Service Centres and Transformation Path for Increased Renewable Energy Use in SMEs”

Open Invitation to Join the Interreg Danube SMEnergy Conference: ”Service Centres and Transformation Path for Increased Renewable Energy Use in SMEs” 

Interreg Danube SMEnergy Conference & 2nd Partner Meeting 

25th - 26th September 2024

Seewirt Karner GmbH, Strandplatz 1, 7141 Podersdorf am See, Austria (or virtually)

This September, the Interreg Danube SMEnergy project invites SMEs, energy experts, and policymakers to explore how SMEs can transition to renewable energy at the project’s conference on âService Centres and Transformation Path for Increased Renewable Energy Use in SMEs”. The conference will be a hybrid event, with the opportunity for external stakeholders to join online, and aims to provide a platform to discuss best practices, energy solutions, and challenges for SMEs – while also fostering collaboration among project partners from across the Danube region. 

The SMEnergy project aims to make renewable energy adoption easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Danube region. Through knowledge transfer and the development of planning tools, the Interreg Danube SMEnergy project provides comprehensive support to local/regional SMEs when they adopt renewable energy. The integrated, transnational approach utilises existing SME networks to increase the visibility of best practice examples and advance strategies, efforts, and uptake of renewables throughout the Danube programme area and beyond.

The conference, open to external stakeholders will take place on 25 September 2024 at 9:00 CEST. The free event will start with a welcome from the hosting partner, Business Agency Burgenland Research and Innovation Ltd. (FIB), followed by an overview of the SMEnergy project. Tomaš Vondra, from the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, will offer insights into the EU’s renewable energy strategy for SMEs in the Danube region.

The SMEnergy conference will also feature:

• Preliminary Findings: Project insights on energy usage and opportunities for SMEs by Energiaklub and PC-Trend.
• Interactive Workshop: Simulation of renewable energy services for SMEs, facilitated by PC-Trend.
• Networking Opportunities: Including a boat trip on Lake Neusiedl and a project dinner.

This event offers a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest strategies for SMEs transitioning to renewable energy and to connect with experts across the Danube region.

Take part in the green transformation and join us at our SMEnergy conference!

Registration form to join the conference virtually

AGENDA (25. 09. 2024)

| 9:00 – 9:30 | Registration 

Hybrid part of the event with external online stakeholders

| 9:30 – 9:40 | Welcome by the hosting partner FIB
| 9:40 – 9:50 | Quick summary of the project – PP4 (PC-Trend)
| 9:50 - 10:00 | Energy Priority Area (PA2) point of view on SMEnergy - Tomaš Vondra, Ministry of Industry and Trade (CZ), coordinator of The Energy Priority Area (PA2) of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region
| 10:00 – 10:20 | Overview of the comparative analysis of countries (preliminary results of the SO1) - PP1 (Energiaklub) & PP4 (PC-Trend)
| 10:20 - 10:50 | SME needs and service gaps in partner countries:  interactive discussion based on interviews and research - Facilitator: PP4 (PC-Trend)
| 10:50 – 11:00 | On the threshold of SO2: A brief summary of the challenges and expected achievements in the period ahead - PP5 (DEX IC)
| 11:00 – 11:20 | Coffee break 

Section of the consortium (for personal presence)

| 11:20 – 12:45 | Presentation of 4 institutional best practices selected by the consortium from the palette of the institutional solutions and operations Facilitator: PP4 (PC-Trend) Presenters: see in the Appendix 1
| 12:45 – 14:00 | Lunch break
| 14:00 – 15:45  | Simulation of the services offered by SMEnergy – workshop Facilitator: PP4 (PC-Trend)
| 15:45 – 16:00 | Coffee break
| 16:00 – 16:30 | Next activities and timeline of SO1 with Q&A PP1 (Energiaklub) & PP4 (PC-Trend)
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Management activities and reporting procedures with Q&A LP (LEASP)
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Break before the evening program
| 18:00 – 19:00 | Boat trip (Lake Neusiedl) - organised by PP3 (FIB)
| 19:15 – | Project Dinner - organised by PP3 (FIB)

On 26 September 2024, the SMEnergy consortium will convene for the 2nd Steering Group Meeting of the project. The meeting will focus on defining the pilot activities for the next project phase as well as communication strategies for stakeholder outreach and engagement. A study visit showcasing successful renewable energy initiatives in the region will also be arranged by hosting partner, FIB.

AGENDA (26. 09. 2024)

Steering group meeting

| 9:00 – 9:30 | Morning coffee
| 9:30 – 9:45 | Next activities and timeline – PP5 (DEX IC)
| 9:45 – 11:00 | Defining the pilot in SO2 (workshop) - PP5 (DEX IC)
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee break
| 11:30 – 12:00 | Communication activities – PP9 (EIfI-Tech)
| 12:00 – 12:30 | Open discussion and wrap up
| 12:30 – 13:00 | Light lunch   

Study visit of a good practice 

| 13:00 – 16:00 | Study visit Organised by PP3 (FIB)
| 16:00 –  | Departure