For policy makers, development agencies, SME support organisations in the field of green energy
Unlocking SME Energy Potential
Scalable One-Stop-Shop Solutions for the Green Transition
Thursday, 12 June 2025 ⋅ 09:30 – 12:00
TRANSNATIONAL WEB CONFERENCE
Danube Interreg
SMEnergy project
About SMEnergy project
Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand at the forefront of the green transition — but in many parts of the continent, they’re still missing a crucial piece of the puzzle: structured, accessible support to navigate their energy transformation.
This is where the SMEnergy project steps in. Funded by the Interreg Danube Region Programme, SMEnergy is on a mission to spark change by piloting one-stop-shop (OSS) networks in countries and regions that currently lack them. These OSS models are designed to act as central hubs — offering SMEs practical guidance, expert services and a coordinated path toward energy efficiency and sustainability.
While some EU member states are already reaping the benefits of well-developed OSS infrastructures, others are just getting started — facing the challenge of building systems that are not only effective, but also scalable and locally relevant.
Why it was worth joining
All about one-stop-shops to help SMEs make the green energy transition
Participants — from national policy-makers and regional development agencies to SME support organisations and energy or innovation programme managers — had the opportunity to learn from the frontrunners, ask questions, and connect with peers who are building the future of SME support.
The event provided concrete insights into setting up, structuring and sustaining OSS networks — from governance and financing to service design and stakeholder collaboration.
The event was a must-attend for
policy makers, development agencies
SME support organisations
energy consultancies and innovation hubs
working in regions where OSS models are still to come – and for anyone across Europe involved in shaping or delivering similar programmes.
Objectives of the conference
🧭
A clear sense of direction:
What exactly is a one-stop-shop network for SMEs? Why is it a game-changer for the energy transition — and how do you tailor it to your country or region?
💡
Proven models and fresh ideas
Hear how other countries have already implemented OSS systems. What worked? What didn’t? Learn from tested approaches and avoid common pitfalls.
🛠️
Hands-on guidance for getting started
From the first draft of your service concept to stakeholder engagement and funding strategies — get concrete steps and real-life examples.
🤝
A network of like-minded changemakers
Connect with policy makers, programme leaders and innovation agents across Europe who are driving the same transformation — and might just become your next project partners.
🌍
A launchpad for real-world impact
Join the SMEnergy transnational knowledge exchange, and turn your own vision into a pilot that makes a difference — locally and beyond.
Details
Link to:
via zoom for those who have registered
Joining
Registration required, free of charge
Date:
Thursday, 12 June 2025 ⋅ 09:30 – 12:00
Program
09:30 – 09:33
Conference Opening
Welcome speech, Edina Kálmán – PC-Trend Ltd., organisational development expert in the SMEnergy project
09:33 – 09:40
Welcome and Introduction
Overview of the SME energy transition landscape in Europe
Tea O. Potočnik, LEASP – Project leader of the SMEnergy project
09:40 – 10:00
Why One-Stop-Shops Matter
Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Energy Transition in Line with the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal
Ms. Lena Eckerberg (Senior Project Manager, Energy Agency Southern Sweden) – committed to driving the sustainable energy transition by supporting SMEs and regional actors through EU-funded projects, strategic partnerships, and hands-on capacity-building since 1999.
10:00 – 10:20
Establishing Regional One-Stop-Shops for SMEs in Practice
Overcoming funding barriers, engaging businesses, and scaling support networks for the energy transition
Mr. John Flynn (Programme Manager, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland – SEAI) – specialist in SME energy transition programmes, regional energy planning, and the implementation of sustainable energy solutions across local communities
10:20 – 10:40
Operating a Mature OSS System: The Upper Austria Experience
Behind the Success: Lessons on Building SME-Centred Energy Support
Ms. Christiane Egger (Deputy Manager, OÖ Energiesparverband – Upper Austria Energy Agency) – specialist in energy efficiency programmes, international cooperation, and the operation of Cleantech-Cluster networks supporting SMEs through well-established OSS structures and innovation-driven energy services
10:40 – 11:00
One-Stop-Shop Implementation in Slovenia
Scaling SME support through decentralised advisory services and national coordination
Rajko Leban (external expert for Borzen RES Contact Point (Slovenia) – national coordinator of Slovenia’s renewable energy contact point network, with expertise in regulatory integration and funding support.
Challenges of a Slovenian contact point – how to boost SME support on the advisory side?
Mr. Milan Klemenc (director, Local Energy Agency Spodnje Podravje – LEA Ptuj) – specialist in regional energy consultancy, SME support mechanisms, and OSS service delivery at the local level /
11:00 – 11:50
Roundtable Discussion
Interactive session with panellists from different countries exploring challenges and opportunities
Moderator:
Ms. Borbála Tóth (Senior Research Associate, REKK – Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research) – specialist in energy policy, sustainable energy systems, and the governance of energy transition initiatives
Guests:
Ms. Ilona Szécsi (energy efficiency and project expert, MEHI – Hungarian Energy Efficiency Institute) – specialist in energy efficiency policy, SME support mechanisms, and OSS development in emerging markets
Ms. Diana Bosfy (Senior Project Officer, FEDARENE) – specialist in regional energy cooperation, multi-level governance, and EU-funded initiatives supporting the energy transition of local and regional authorities
Dilyana Gerdzhikova (Project Manager, Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry) – Establishing partnerships and activation of renovation business actors within the cooperation model of a regional “one-stop-shop” for residential buildings energy renovation, building and managing a “trusted supplier network”: challenges and good practices in the Bulgarian context.
11:50 – 12:00
Summary and Closing Remarks
Brief recap of key insights from keynote sessions and the roundtable and reflection on major takeaways for setting up and scaling SME-focused OSS networks.
Registration
Participation was free, but registration had been required.
More information
Edina Kálmán
the SMEnergy project’s organisational development expert in Hungary
kalmanedina@formacio.hu
+36 20 581 2822
Organisers
The programme has been implemented in the framework of the Danube Interreg Programme, under the professional organisation of the SMEnergy project.
