More support being given to SMEs in Europe to become more energy efficient

The paper emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency in European SMEs, which are crucial to the continent's economy and competitiveness. The EU-funded DEESME 2050 project highlights the potential benefits of improving energy performance in the furniture industry. Investments and policy implementation must accelerate to meet the EU's 2030 climate goals, and new initiatives like EEEFC aim to support this transition. Financial intermediaries are identified as vital for SMEs to access funds, leveraging experiences from organizations like EEIP and state-owned banks to facilitate this process.

In 2024, global electric vehicle (EV) sales exceeded 17 million, a significant increase from 2020 totals. China's electric car sales hit 11 million, driving affordability and adoption worldwide. Battery cost reductions and technological advancements improved EV competitiveness, while the expansion of charging infrastructure supported the growing EV market. Electric commercial transport also gained momentum, with electric trucks becoming more economically feasible. Projections suggest EVs will continue to grow, reaching substantial market shares globally by 2030.

By 2030, AI will necessitate a $7 trillion investment in data centers, driven by widespread AI adoption and geopolitical priorities. The demand for specialized compute hardware and energy-intensive AI workloads is creating significant power and supply chain challenges, emphasizing the need for efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced demand forecasting.

The paper highlights the revolution of motor systems through digital technologies enhancing efficiency, despite challenges such as lack of standardization and cybersecurity risks. Innovations include smart sensors, IoT, and AI-driven analytics, with case studies showing significant energy savings. Opportunities exist for professionals in data science and cybersecurity.

The EU aims to produce and import 20 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 to achieve climate targets. The European Hydrogen Bank, integral to REPowerEU, supports this via subsidies and market integration. Investments in hydrogen technologies foster innovation, job creation, and international cooperation, enhancing energy security and global leadership in clean energy transitions.

The article outlines approaches and a framework for pricing in industrial symbiosis, stressing fair and sustainable mechanisms, considering costs, earnings, risks, and value beyond economics for successful circular economies.

The global energy landscape is shifting towards renewables, with wind and solar as the fastest-growing sources. Innovation in efficiency, storage, and smart grids are driving this transformation. Despite challenges like grid integration and policy development, renewable energy is pivotal for job creation, energy independence, and fighting climate change, offering diverse career opportunities.

The M-Benefits project reveals that energy efficiency investments often overlook crucial benefits like product quality, operational risk reduction, and competitiveness. This gap persists despite clear profitability, as conventional appraisal methods focus narrowly on energy savings. The project provides tools, training, and case studies to help professionals communicate and leverage a project's full value, urging a shift to encompass strategic business outcomes, beyond mere technical improvements.

DEESME project enhances EU energy management via collaboration, clear communications and focusing on multiple benefits, addressing challenges SMEs face in compliance, audit quality, and recognizing wider advantages of energy efficiency beyond savings.