ManagEnergy Expert Mission #16: Accelerating the Energy Transition in the Province of Cádiz

In the context of the 16th ManagEnergy Expert Mission, Vlasta Krmelj—CEO of ENERGAP, Mayor of Selnica ob Dravi, and Member of the European Committee of the Regions—visited the Province of Cádiz to provide strategic guidance to the provincial energy agency APEC (Agencia Provincial de la Energía de Cádiz).

The three-day mission included strategic meetings, field visits, a municipal workshop, and a multi-stakeholder roundtable. The aim was clear: to assess APEC’s current strategy and identify key levers for reinforcing its role in the energy transition.

A Province of Opportunity

Cádiz is a region of contrasts: rich in solar and wind resources, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, and reliant on a strong tourism sector. At the same time, it faces high unemployment rates and a need to reconcile environmental protection with sustainable development.

The expert mission highlighted that while many municipalities are eager to act, they face difficulties in accessing financing, engaging citizens, and building internal capacity. APEC plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Vlasta Krmelj’s recommendations emphasised the importance of:

• Strengthening cooperation between municipalities, the province, and private actors
• Developing replicable project models that attract investment
• Using EU and national funds more effectively
• Reinforcing APEC’s long-term vision, structure, and visibility

Strategic Dialogue and Field Insights

The mission opened with a series of strategic meetings between APEC, the Provincial Government of Cádiz, and Vlasta Krmelj. These discussions set the tone for the mission, offering a first assessment of the region’s energy priorities and highlighting the need for a more integrated and proactive approach to local energy planning. The day also included site visits to observe local infrastructure projects and ongoing initiatives.

Boosting the Local Energy Transition – Workshop with Municipalities

The second day brought together municipal representatives to exchange on successful local initiatives and financing strategies. Case studies from Trebujena, Chipiona, and Jerez de la Frontera illustrated how towns from the province are already taking concrete steps in the energy transition:

• Trebujena: sustainability and ecological transition initiatives
• Chipiona: modernisation of public street lighting
• Jerez de la Frontera: renovation of public schools to improve energy efficiency

Vlasta Krmelj complemented these examples with practices from across the EU, triggering an engaging dialogue on how to overcome barriers and scale up local action. Discussions touched on financing mechanisms, citizen engagement, and capacity building for municipalities.

Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable to Accelerate the Transition

On the final day, a broad group of stakeholders met in El Puerto de Santa María for a high-level roundtable discussion. Public authorities, associations, NGOs, and industry actors offered their perspectives on the energy transition in Cádiz. Each participant presented their contributions and ongoing projects, before engaging in a collective reflection on:

• Current challenges facing the provincial energy sector
• Opportunities for cooperation and innovation
• Strategic projects to accelerate sustainability

The debate revealed a strong will to cooperate across sectors. The importance of balancing environmental protection with development needs, addressing energy poverty, and mobilising financial mechanisms were all underlined.

Towards a Greener Future for Cádiz

The ManagEnergy Expert Mission provided a valuable opportunity to take stock of the progress already made by APEC and its partners, while laying the groundwork for more ambitious energy and climate action. With strong institutional support and active stakeholder involvement, the Province of Cádiz is well positioned to strengthen its leadership in the local energy transition.

Find out more about ManagEnergy Expert Missions