Extremadura Stakeholders & Experts Discuss Decarbonisation
On the 27th of November, the Extremadura Energy Agency (AGENEX) hosted its first regional stakeholder meeting as part of the COMMIT project, coinciding with the EXPOENERGEA energy event. The gathering brought together leaders from energy, industry, agro-industry, research, and academia to address a crucial challenge: how to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate the low-carbon transition.
A central focus of the meeting was to identify the specific needs of SMEs in their transition to decarbonisation. In particular, emphasis was placed on developing low-carbon strategies for the industrial sector, essential for achieving a green and healthy future.
Main conclusions
The meeting highlighted several important factors to advance towards a more sustainable energy shift:
- Clear regulatory frameworks
- Government incentives
- Investment in research and training
Expert insight: Fernando Valladares
Fernando Valladares, one of Spain’s foremost environmental experts and renowned climate scientist at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), moderated the event. He also shared valuable insights on the urgency of taking action to tackle environmental challenges.
He highlighted that businesses must move beyond merely identifying problems or relying on government solutions. Instead, he stressed the importance of collaboration and finding joint solutions to drive industrial decarbonisation.
Valladares also emphasised that sustainability is not optional; it's a prerequisite for long-term success. He pointed out that companies implementing transparent, sustainable, and accredited strategies daily, reap several benefits and gain a competitive edge. By embedding sustainability into their core operations, businesses not only help the planet - they position themselves for future growth.
Finally, Valladares urged companies to embrace creativity and willingness to change. Developing business models and activities focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising environmental footprints, within both a sector and a company are imperative.
Sister project UNIFHY
The meeting also advanced the goals of UNIFHY, another Interreg Europe project, which shares a common vision with COMMIT to support the energy transition in Extremadura. While COMMIT supports SMEs in adopting low-carbon practices, UNIFHY promotes biofuels as an alternative to decarbonise specific sectors. The meeting and alignment between the two projects provided a unique opportunity for collaboration and learning exchange, with participants benefiting from the synergies between their complementary goals.
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