Why Regions? Why Energy Agencies?

Since the 1990s, EU institutions recognised the importance of sub-national levels in policy-making and funding programmes that enabled energy agencies, regions and cities to develop and implement energy policies, benefiting their economic development. Initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors – Europe and ManagEnergy consolidated the partnership between the European Commission and regions, stimulating a bottom-up flow of data and policy recommendations. The European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions have also played important roles in recognising the importance of sub-national entities in implementing the Paris Agreement. 

We believe that the exchange of experience between regions reinforces European economic, social and environmental cohesion. In the field of energy especially, the role of sub-national levels is becoming progressively more important. 

Regions and their Energy Agencies are uniquely positioned to lead the energy transition because of their close proximity to local communities, businesses, and policymakers, and the collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. They inform policies, develop and implement programs for public authorities, including strategic planning at different levels. Complementing each other, they bring different perspectives and solutions together to deliver actions that have a greater impact. They lead by example and push their national counterparts to achieve more.  

• Policy implementation: They work with other governments to create a more coordinated and effective approach to policy implementation. They have consistently proven to be effective delivery agents for the EU’s clean energy legislation. 
• Energy expertise: Energy agencies have a deep understanding of the energy systems, technologies, and policies that drive the green energy transition. They provide product-independent, client-oriented advice for the best possible sustainable energy outcomes.  
• Local engagement: Regions and their Energy Agencies can engage local communities, businesses, and policymakers, creating a sense of ownership and participation. This approach can increase public support for green energy initiatives and make the transition more sustainable. 
• Innovation: They are often pioneers and drivers of the energy transition, continuously developing new services, tailored solutions, and ways of working. Experimenting with new technologies and business models, their diversity of approaches offers a wealth of experience to be shared and further developed. 
• Education and training: They provide education, training, and awareness raising on sustainable technologies and financing. They promote the benefits of the green energy transition. 
• Facilitation and project aggregation: They provide facilitation, advice, and technical assistance for sustainable energy projects, including project development, design, and implementation. They are in an ideal position to act as aggregators of local projects to upscale local initiatives, as well as replicate successful approaches across their territory. 

Regions 

European integration through interregional cooperation 

Regions have the authority to implement policies that support the energy transition, such as building codes, renewable energy targets, and energy efficiency programs. They can take a more holistic approach by considering the entire energy system, including energy production, distribution, and consumption. They can identify local energy resources, infrastructure, and demand, thus design tailored solutions to address specific needs. 

Furthermore, regions are leaders of transborder and macro regional initiatives. Interregional cooperation enables knowledge transfer between local authorities and key technical assistance to smaller municipalities that may not have the capacity to develop or implement a climate and energy strategy. 

Energy agencies 

Expertise and collaboration fueling change  

Local and Regional Energy Agencies are independent organisations that possess a comprehensive range of techno-economic competencies, as well as a deep understanding of policy and extensive networks, making them well-equipped to drive and sustain change. 

Energy agencies are market facilitators with public mandates providing technical assistance to municipalities, regions, companies and citizens, having the ability to connect stakeholders and governance levels as well as experience in structuring financing models with multiple funding streams.