Conclusion of the "Energy-efficient SMEs" project
The National Council of SMEs in Romania (CNIPMMR) in partnership with SME Norway implemented the "Energy-efficient SMEs" project from June 1 to December 31, 2023.
The main objectives of the project were to increase awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and renewable energy by informing a considerable number of individuals and SME representatives, to increase knowledge about legislation and programs for SMEs in the energy sector, and to identify tools for calculating energy consumption and ways to minimize it within an SME.
Six main activities were carried out, leading to the fulfillment of the following indicators:
1. Conducting an awareness campaign on renewable energy and energy efficiency that attracted over 400 people
2. Organizing 3 conferences to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency for SMEs with over 100 participants
3. Creating an analysis/guide "How to become an energy-efficient SME" outlining steps for SMEs to become energy efficient, legislation to follow, energy programs, and energy consumption awareness, distributed to over 200 SMEs
4. Conducting a study visit to Norway to identify how energy efficiency is implemented in Norwegian SMEs
5. Organizing training sessions on renewable energy and energy efficiency for 100 people over 3 days (in Galati, Bucharest, Ploiesti, and Sibiu)
6. Creating a platform/application to calculate SMEs' energy consumption and provide guidance on achieving minimum energy efficiency. Over 30 SMEs used the platform by completing a questionnaire, with over 90 users registered on the platform.
"Energy-efficient SMEs" benefited from a grant of 190,508 euros from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants. It was funded through the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021, within the "Energy Program in Romania".
Background Information:
The EEA and Norway Grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway towards a green, competitive, and inclusive Europe. There are two general objectives: reducing economic and social disparities in Europe and strengthening bilateral relations between the donor countries and 15 EU countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltic States.
The three donor countries cooperate closely with the EU through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. The donors have provided 3.3 billion euros through consecutive grant schemes between 1994 and 2014. For the 2014-2021 period, the EEA and Norway Grants amount to 2.8 billion EUR.
Priorities for this period are:
1. Innovation, research, education, and competitiveness
2. Social inclusion, youth employment, and poverty reduction
3. Environment, energy, climate change, and low-carbon economy
4. Culture, civil society, good governance, and fundamental rights
5. Justice and home affairs
Eligibility for Grants reflects the criteria established for the EU Cohesion Fund for member countries where the gross national income (GNI) per capita is less than 90% of the EU average.
The EEA and Norway Grants scheme consists of two financial mechanisms. The EEA Grants are jointly funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, whose contributions are based on their GDP. Norway Grants are funded exclusively by Norway.
EEA Grants: www.eeagrants.org
Norway Grants: www.norwaygrants.org