Powering change: how EENergy helps companies make energy efficiency happen

EENergy is a cascade funding project carried out in close collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network. Over the course of two years and two funding calls, the initiative aimed to distribute 9 million euros to support energy efficiency improvements in 900 companies across the EU Single Market. With guidance from the Network’s sustainability advisors, participating companies were supported on their journey towards greater sustainability and a greener future.

Reflecting on the project's outcomes as it approaches its final phase, EENergy has not only empowered SMEs to strengthen their sustainability and resilience, but also enhanced the skills and capacity of Network’s advisors, consultants and project partners. What began as a funding initiative for SMEs evolved into a truly enriching and transformative experience for all involved.

Why energy efficiency remains out of reach for many SMEs

Like many of today’s challenges, the push for energy efficiency isn’t only driven by rising energy bills. Environmental pressures, changing regulations, and a growing awareness of climate impacts are also shaping how businesses think about their operations. Energy use is no longer just a cost issue, but a strategic concern.

In response, more and more companies are exploring alternative energy sources and looking for ways to optimise their energy use. While this shift affects businesses across all sectors, it is especially critical for those in energy-intensive industries such as plastics, glass, food processing, or woodworking, where consumption is high, margins are tight, and the barriers to change are significant.

The challenges these companies face are numerous and complex. Outdated equipment, limited expertise, budget constraints, and even resistance to change from management: these are just few of the most common obstacles. That’s why the  EENergy project, designed to provide tailored energy efficiency support and grant funding to SMEs, has been described by some as "the best thing that happened to them."

A timely opportunity, backed by expertise

The EENergy project was financed by the European Union under the Single Market Programme and carried out in close collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network. Its objective was to support 900 companies over a two-year period, distributing a total of 9 million euros in grant funding across all EU Single Market countries. Each beneficiary received a one-time grant of 10,000 euros, with full (100%) funding intensity.

With its strong client relationships and wide-reaching network of professionals, including sustainability advisors, the Enterprise Europe Network was the ideal partner to foster sustainable growth and long-term resilience in European SMEs. As Monica Valdes, a Network Advisor at Cork Chamber, explained: “At Enterprise Europe Network, we often see SMEs with big plans but limited funds. The EENergy project offered a unique chance for businesses to receive financial support for energy efficiency improvements, along with personalised guidance from our sustainability advisors.”

What made the project work was not just the financial boost, but the way the Network advisors translated the opportunity into practical steps for SMEs, helping them navigate audits, action plans and the grant application process. In some cases, advisors helped firms take their very first steps into EU-funded projects. The support was not just technical, but also strategic and personal.

From small upgrades to big results

The most common areas for application submissions included:

• The installation of alternative energy sources, such as solar panel systems, small wind turbines and heat pumps
• Measures to reduce energy loss, including insulation, window and door replacements, and heating system upgrades
• The replacement of traditional energy consumers with more efficient alternatives, such as modernised lighting fixtures, ventilation systems and IT components like servers 

For many companies, putting new systems in place was only part of the story. To support long-term change, the companies also organised training programmes focused on improving energy efficiency. While some upgrades were less visible at first glance (such as new heating systems or solar panel installations), others (like insulation improvements or new roofs) brought a more noticeable visual change. Regardless of how visible they were, the measures were essential to improve energy performance.

One example is 9 White Deer Brewery in Ireland, which installed an on-site nitrogen generator, cutting energy consumption related to CO₂ production by almost 73%. As Gordon Lucey, Managing Director at 9 White Deer, puts it: "At 9 White Deer Brewery, sustainability isn’t just an option – it’s our responsibility. Thanks to EENergy, we’re able to push boundaries, innovate, and reduce our impact on both the local and global environment."

A different transformation happened at Žali žali Urban Farm in Vilnius, Lithuania. This microgreens business had already installed solar panels, but lacked the storage capacity to make the most of them. With support from Lithuanian Innovation Centre, a local branch of the Enterprise Europe Network, and funding through the EENergy grant, the company installed a battery system to power lighting and cooling more efficiently. “The opportunity to get financial support for energy saving solutions was exactly what we needed. We didn’t hesitate to apply for the grant and ended up purchasing a solar battery,” said Vincas Benevičius, CEO and co-founder of Žali žali.

In the Czech Republic, Glassworks Harrachov, Europe’s oldest running glass factory, upgraded its lighting system, reducing electricity use for lighting by over 66% with support from the Network partner Technology Centre Prague. Even a Latvian pizzeria chain Picu Darbnica Ltd. used the help of the local Network branch, Latvian Technological Centre, to obtain an EENergy grant to improve insulation and HVAC systems in a newly acquired building, now seeing a 10% drop in monthly energy consumption.

Beyond numbers: the human impact

While the financial support was crucial, it was the combination of expert advice, trusted relationships and hands-on help that truly set EENergy apart. This mix of guidance and funding helped build stronger bonds between businesses and the Enterprise Europe Network, turning one-off support into long-term trust.

Grīņi Fishing Farm from Latvia described the project as follows: “Being a micro company is sometimes very demotivating as all the support seems to be only for the big and ambitious. However, small companies can contribute to achieving big goals too. We really appreciated the tailored approach and the encouragement, regardless the size of our company.”

When working with companies on the development of their action plans (which was one of the prerequisites for applying for EENergy grant), it was noticed that problems were often more complex than just outdated ventilation or heating systems. It was concluded that technical upgrades alone were insufficient. To drive meaningful and lasting sustainability improvements in the future, companies will also need targeted support in capacity building, management changes and strategic planning.

However, what the EENergy project revealed is that even small interventions can spark bigger ambitions. For many SMEs, this project was not just about fixing what was broken, but rather about seeing what was possible. The individualised guidance and attention from the Network helped companies realise they didn’t need to be large or highly resourced to start making meaningful changes. In many cases, what began as a conversation about heating systems or insulation turned into a broader reflection on energy use, resource planning, and what sustainability could look like for their future.

The Network behind the change

For many SMEs, the EENergy project made a real difference by helping them achieve things they once considered impossible or too difficult on their own. The fact that some companies went on to recommend the Network services to their friends and other businesses is a strong signal of the trust built through this collaboration. This initiative not only helped businesses achieve real results, but also showed how important local, hands-on support is in making sustainability goals a reality.

For Network advisors, collaborating on an EENergy project proved to be a valuable addition to their skills set. From developing action plans, to helping businesses quantify energy efficiency gains in percentages, kilowatt-hours or tonnes, EENergy broadened the capabilities of Network sustainability advisors, turning them into true “chameleons” in the business support environment.

The EENergy project shows what SMEs can achieve when practical support meets financial means. The grants gave businesses an essential push, but it was the work of Network advisors that turned a funding opportunity into real change. It also reaffirmed that energy efficiency is not only about technology. It’s about people, mindset, and confidence. And that’s where the Enterprise Europe Network makes the difference, by combining practical support with long-term partnership.

EENergy is just one example of how the Enterprise Europe Network helps small businesses take real action. To explore tailored support near you, connect with a local adviser.