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 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 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 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.

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 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.