19 June 2012

One day just for … National Networks of Energy Agencies & Energy Agency Directors

Presentation during event

Objective: The objective of the networking event was to share experiences and knowledge in order to strengthen and improve the role of regional and local energy agencies. 

Target audience: National networks of energy agencies, and local/regional energy agency directors.

Overview: The meeting provided an update on the most important funding streams of the present and coming years, and covered the topic of agency interaction with the Covenant of Mayors, including how to support cities in the preparation and implementation of SEAPs. The day started with the identification of projects from each of the participating energy agencies (ten regional, four local, one national, and one provincial). Participants were then divided into three working groups: 

  1. Financing energy agencies
  2. Financing sustainable energy activities
  3. Working with the Covenant of Mayors

Conclusions: Through vivid discussion and exchange the participating energy agencies reached some of the following conclusions:

  • In terms of their future role, energy agencies could function as financial advisors to municipalities (e.g., guide municipalities on which energy projects to finance, help them make use of structural funds, etc.).
  • With respect to their involvement in the Covenant of Mayors, energy agencies should play an active role not only by using their expertise for SEAP development and implementation but also by organising signatories for optimising their actions (e.g., grouping cities by size) and by taking the lead on monitoring aspects (e.g., progress reports).
  • Cooperation at the regional, national and European level is necessary for energy agencies. Participating in multi-level networks could help them set benchmarks and learn from experience, as well as monitor and optimise their actions.
  • The best use of technical support tools, such as ManagEnergy, and financial support mechanisms, such as ELENA and MLEI, could help energy agencies further establish themselves as key sustainable energy actors.

Programme and presentations 

View the programme. 

Financing the work of the Severn Wye Energy Agency 
Catrin Maby, Severn Wye Energy Agency

Example of an energy agency working with Structural Funds 
Katarzyna Grecka and Ludmila Wach, Baltic Energy Agency, Poland

The role of agencies in preparing and implementing SEAPs
Julije Domac, North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency

IEE supports local and regional authorities and energy agencies
Stephan Renner, Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation

Role of the energy agencies
Elodie Bossio, Covenant of Mayors

Photos 

Paul Kenny (Tipperary Energy Agency-TEA) talking about the project implemented by his agency  Stephan Renner (EACI) and one of the working groupsLeft: Paul Kenny (Tipperary Energy Agency-TEA) talks about a project implemented by his agency. Right: Stephan Renner (EACI) participates in a working group.

    Man networkingParticipants discuss ideas during working groups. To stimulate a better exchange, participants switched tables after each session.

Anette Jahn delivers speech  Write-up activitiesAnette Jahn delivers a presentation (left) and participants carry-out working group exercises (right).