Redefining Energy Audits: The DEESME Multiple Benefits Approach for European SMEs

Energy audits are becoming vital for SMEs in Europe, offering detailed analysis of energy usage and efficiency, highlighting cost-saving measures. They notably influence investment decisions in energy-efficient technologies, with smaller firms and innovative companies benefitting the most. However, financial constraints remain a barrier to implementing energy-saving opportunities.

The paper provides an analysis of 19 hydrogen production methods, focusing on efficiency, cost, and environmental sustainability. It identifies the efficiency of fossil fuel reforming and the high environmental impact of non-renewable sources. Renewable methods are more sustainable but less developed. Hybrid approaches offer balanced results while further innovation is needed for truly sustainable hydrogen production.

A discussion of the challenge of managing information for industrial symbiosis, focusing on digital tools developed for matchmaking and economic assessment. It underlines the importance of integrating technology with human relationships and adapting to regulatory changes that promote data standardization and transparency.

EU energy policy enters a decisive implementation phase in 2025: voluntary goals become binding compliance. The recast Energy Efficiency Directive imposes audits and energy management by consumption thresholds, while RED III speeds renewable permitting and mandates industrial renewables and green hydrogen adoption.

Space-based solar energy (SBSE) overcomes terrestrial solar power limitations, offering continuous, efficient energy. Despite high costs and ecological concerns, advances in technology and interest from ESA and CALTECH's SSPD indicate its promising potential for sustainable energy.

Working in smart city projects requires to bring together different players in this very diverse eco-system, from IT to product suppliers, service providers, finance, social innovators and of course the cities with their various departments. A good way to start is looking at top notch smart city projects as well as knowledge, matchmaking and IT platforms.

The EU's industrial carbon management strategy aims for climate neutrality by 2050, targeting innovations in carbon capture and utilization (CCU), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and CO2 transport through a 19,000 km network. This transformative approach, fostering a carbon value chain, could generate €45-€100 billion and create 75,000-170,000 jobs by 2030, while positioning the EU as a global leader in carbon management technologies. The strategy emphasizes investment, R&D, public engagement, international cooperation, and regulatory development.

A new framework evaluates industrial symbiosis, showing cost savings, revenue growth, risk reduction, and intangible benefits, advocating strategic partnerships and regulatory navigation for long-term sustainable advantage.

The European Commission issued guidelines to aid EU member states in adopting the Energy Efficiency Directive by October 2025. Recommendation 2024/2002 promotes an integrated approach to energy audits, management systems, and sustainability reporting, supporting compliance with broader EU directives.