35 SMEPlus partners and stakeholders joined the second online SMEPlus Dutch-German study visit on 27 Jan 2021. The event focused on “All about the money: Funding energy efficiency in SMEs”. We exchanged ideas and enjoyed the online networking opportunities. We talked about different financing opportunities during the next EU funding period (2021 – 2027) helping SMEs implement energy efficiency measures as well as shared insights from the Netherlands and Germany.
Margot Pinault (European Commission, DG ENER, Energy Efficiency) introduced EU-funding opportunities for energy efficiency in SMEs in the next funding period 2021-2027. Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and NextGeneration EU 2021-2023 will bundle substantial amount of funding, part of which will be committed to energy efficiency measures. Efforts and investments will have to be increased and the Energy Efficiency directive implemented.
Maya Janssen (Province of Groningen, NL) and Rein Bouwer (Province of Drenthe, NL) explained about available funds and the projects that were financed e.g. law enforcement, energy audits and revolving energy funds. Robert Weicht (LandesEnergieAgentur Hessen, DE) shared experience in consulting SMEs and creative measures that were implemented to increase energy efficiency.
We learned a lot, had great fun and are looking forward to the next study visit!
