Capacity Building

The project aims to enhance capacity in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the financing of energy audits and efficiency improvements.

The capacity-building activities started in November 2024 with a “train-the-trainer” session organised by Eurochambers, designed to enhance the energy knowledge of Chamber staff.

The second pillar of activities will involve over 1.000 companies from the participating countries to join the project by registering on the knowledge platform and sharing information about their current energy efficiency status. This will enable partners to guide them on their journey towards improved energy efficiency, through webinars on effective energy-saving measures and providing information on financing options via national and regional help desks.

The project’s success in fostering energy efficiency among participating companies will be assessed both during and at the conclusion of the initiative.

Materials used in the EE4SMEs capacity building activities are now available for download:

• Module 1: Photovoltaics
  This module was designed to address a critical gap in SME knowledge around planning and implementing photovoltaic (PV) installations. This topic is particularly relevant for SMEs in the accommodation, agri-food, and metal sectors—sectors where energy costs can be substantial, and where the potential benefits of renewable energy sources are often underutilized due to lack of technical understanding and internal capacity.
  The module was necessary because implementing a photovoltaic system goes far beyond the financial return on investment—it involves navigating a complex landscape of technical, legal, planning, and insurance-related constraints. Many SMEs lack the internal expertise to assess risks like structural weaknesses of roofs, shading that reduces performance, civil aviation restrictions, or costly grid connection requirements. By advising SMEs with clear, structured information on these constraints and practical tools (like shadow simulation software and links to national grid operator portals), the module contributes to helping them make informed, realistic decisions. This not only improves their energy autonomy but also reduces the risk of abandoned or failed projects—supporting long-term sustainability and performance improvements.
• Module 2: Geothermal energy
  The training module on geothermal energy was designed to demystify this lesser known but promising renewable energy source and help SMEs understand its practical uses and requirements. Considering that many SMEs in the project’s target sectors may be unfamiliar with geothermal technology, this module provides foundational knowledge, from basic principles to implementation phases. It introduces the different types of geothermal systems (surface and deep), their technical mechanisms (notably heat pumps), and real-world applications for space heating, hot water production, cooling, and certain industrial processes.
  Creating this module was essential to support SMEs in exploring sustainable energy solutions beyond more mainstream options like solar PV. Geothermal systems can operate year-round, are largely independent of climate variations, and offer low greenhouse gas emissions—making them ideal for long-term energy autonomy and decarbonisation. The added value for SMEs lies in the module’s practical guidance on each step of a geothermal project: from opportunity analysis and feasibility studies to regulatory compliance, installation, and operation. By improving knowledge and awareness in this technology, the module becomes an added-value that helps SMEs explore other options to invest in energy solutions that support both environmental goals and operational efficiency.
• Module 3: ISO 50001
  The ISO 50001 training module was developed to support SMEs in managing and improving their energy performance through structured, standardised practices. Many small and medium-sized businesses face challenges in maintaining consistent energy savings over time, especially without financial incentives or in-house expertise. This module offers a step-by-step overview of the ISO 50001 standard and clarifies its application by focusing on both its technical and organisational aspects. Through real-world examples and simplified guidance, SMEs learn how to implement an Energy Management System (EnMS) tailored to their context and energy profile.
  Creating this module was necessary because ISO 50001 is not just about compliance—it is a strategic tool that enables SMEs to move from reactive energy-saving efforts to systematic, measurable, and continuous performance improvement. The training highlights how the standard helps organisations set energy baselines, define clear objectives, involve internal teams (via roles like the “energy team”), and ensure top management engagement. For SMEs, adopting ISO 50001 adds value by building internal capacity, preparing for future regulatory obligations, and unlocking access to bonuses and support schemes such as PRO-SMEn in France. Ultimately, this fosters long-term energy efficiency, cost savings, and a stronger contribution to decarbonisation.
• Module 4: How to read an energy invoice
  This module was developed to strengthen SMEs’ foundational knowledge of how energy costs are structured and billed. Despite being a critical step in managing and reducing energy consumption, many SMEs do not fully understand their electricity or gas bills—making it difficult to identify inefficiencies, negotiate better contracts, or evaluate the impact of energy-saving measures. This module responds to that gap with a clear breakdown of invoice components, regulatory obligations, and supplier practices, providing specific examples within the French energy context.
  This training was necessary because effective energy management begins with awareness and control over consumption and costs. By learning how to interpret elements such as network usage tariff, excise duties, reactive energy charges, and consumption profiles, SMEs can spot avoidable expenses, adapt their usage patterns, and align procurement choices with their operational profile (e.g. selecting peak/off-peak options or reviewing load curves). The added value for SMEs is twofold: they gain confidence and competence to engage with suppliers, and they are better positioned to track and evaluate the benefits of energy efficiency measures—making this module a practical enabler for long-term cost savings and energy performance improvements.
• Module 5: IMPAWATT platform
  As companies should be motivated and trained on the use of the IMPAWATT platform, Senercon provided a presentation on the IMPAWATT platform in English and German as additional training material.