The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) has introduced a new award category this year, the SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency Award, designed to recognize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are pioneering innovative business or financing models to accelerate energy efficiency solutions across the European Union. This award aims to celebrate the creativity and impact of SMEs that make energy upgrades more accessible, affordable, and scalable.
The timing of this new award is significant, as it coincides with a major financing initiative announced by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group. This €17.5 billion commitment is dedicated entirely to energy efficiency in SMEs, marking one of the largest financial pledges of its kind. The initiative is expected to benefit over 350,000 companies across Europe, helping them cut energy use and reduce emissions. The program will nearly double current support between 2025 and 2027, further bolstering SMEs in their clean energy transition.
The EIB will collaborate with private partners through dedicated investment platforms to support these energy efficiency projects. This approach is not only expected to help SMEs but also to attract more investors and bring additional capital into the European energy efficiency sector. As part of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and Action Plan for Affordable Energy, these measures underscore a strong commitment to boosting Europe’s competitiveness and supporting decarbonization.
The new EUSEW award is open to EU-defined SMEs operating in at least one EU Member State, with either a pilot project or a commercially active initiative. Applicants must demonstrate an innovative dimension related to energy efficiency business or financing models. Those interested in applying can read the guidelines and submit their applications now.
This initiative could significantly shape the development of the energy sector by providing a platform for SMEs to showcase their innovative solutions and gain recognition. The substantial financial backing from the European Commission and the EIB Group is likely to spur further innovation and investment in energy efficiency, accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. The award and the financing initiative together send a clear signal that energy efficiency is a priority, and SMEs are at the forefront of driving this change.