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Institutional efforts regarding the transition to green energy
Institutional efforts regarding the transition to green energy
One system or separate planetary countries?
[p]On 4th June 2024, the Interreg Danube SMEnergy project consortium convened for a knowledge-sharing workshop. The workshop aimed to analyse and organise the current landscape, central initiatives, support schemes, opportunities, and challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in eight countries transitioning to green energy across the Danube region. What were the key findings? The following brief provides some insights.[/p][p]The workshop provided SMEnergy partners with valuable insights into the initiatives of central decision-makers in their respective regions. It also facilitated mutual learning by enabling a deeper understanding of each other's institutional incentives and support schemes.[/p]Why focus on energy-intensive SMEs?
[p]In the context of the green transition, most initiatives focus on large companies or major consumers, often sidelining SMEs. However, SMEs, which constitute 99.8% of all enterprises in Europe, are crucial to the European economy, employing 64.4% of the workforce and contributing 51.8% of the EU's value added. In 2022, 24.3 million European SMEs employed approximately 84.9 million workers. The SMEnergy project specifically targets energy-intensive SMEs.[/p][p]The term "energy-intensive" refers to companies for which energy costs comprise a significant portion of total expenses. This percentage varies widely by industry and specific circumstances. Generally, if energy costs exceed 2-5% of a company's total expenses, it is considered energy-intensive. In certain sectors, such as zinc and aluminium production, this ratio can reach as high as 40-50%.[/p]Quite different green energy mixes
[p]For energy-intensive companies, a key concern is the type of green energy available to small and medium-sized enterprises in their country. The share of green energy in total energy production varies significantly among countries. Among eight nations, Austria leads with green energy constituting 31.7% of its energy production in 2022, while Hungary and Slovakia trail at 12.9%.![](https://interreg-danube.eu/storage/byosY4rBLmk2ndslfr1N4pwwmBYqBAwMaGr0B3vr.png)
How do central governments help the green transition of SMEs?
[p]The global landscape of green energy transformation presents a complex and contentious scenario. In certain nations, a robust and intricate network of energy agencies continuously supports the transition for small and medium-sized enterprises. These countries benefit from a diverse array of energy professionals and suppliers offering innovative green energy solutions. Conversely, in other regions, funding or loans are available only intermittently, typically within the scope of specific project-support campaigns.[/p][p]![](https://interreg-danube.eu/storage/PLFWoERrGA9GhonG6puFfNyuD1WBj63OS0UPUpKY.png)
What’s next?
[p]The collected materials on green transition initiatives from various countries represent a true treasure trove, not only for the consortium but also for the entire European community. What emerges from the presentations is a well-defined structure and variety of institutional incentives, serving as learning points for central decision-making bodies advocating for the green transition. The consortium is currently working on a jointpresentation and plans to publish the conclusions and recommendations for policymakers in the second half of 2024.[/p][p]For furtner information, please, visit the official website of the project: [/p][p]https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/smenergy [/p][p]![](https://interreg-danube.eu/storage/28lG6KACx6sObMcJhm5oVJNneFXPVlblsortBjak.png)
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Interreg Danube SMEnergy project consortium convened a knowledge-sharing workshop.
16/07/2024
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