As part of the 18th ManagEnergy Expert Mission, Julije Domac, CEO of the North-West Croatia Energy and Climate Agency, visited Vila Nova de Gaia to support Energaia in developing its next strategic phase.
Taking place from 3–5 June 2025, the three-day mission marked a turning point for the South of Porto Metropolitan Area Energy Management Agency. With 25 years of operation behind it, Energaia is entering a new chapter—one that aims to redefine its governance model, expand its thematic scope, and reinforce its role as a driver of systemic decarbonisation in the region.
From Local Initiative to Regional Actor
Created in 1999 under the EU’s SAVE II programme, Energaia has steadily grown into a key player in supporting municipalities with their energy and climate objectives. In its early years, the agency focused on building internal capacity, developing expertise in energy audits, building certification, and sustainable design.
Today, Energaia serves six municipalities in the South of Porto Metropolitan Area and maintains strong links with local administrations. Its activities are mainly financed through service contracts and cooperation with municipal partners. As energy and climate planning grows more complex, Energaia continues to explore how to further adapt its role and strengthen its strategic impact.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The ManagEnergy Expert Mission provided the perfect forum for critical reflection and forward-looking thinking. Discussions explored how Energaia could transition into an intermunicipal agency for energy and climate, with a stronger mandate and broader mission.
Future directions include expanding into climate mitigation and adaptation, smart city innovation, and data-driven governance. The agency is also considering the development of a Climate Data Hub and a Training Hub, to reinforce its position as both a knowledge centre and a capacity builder for the region.
“As an expert who had the privilege of visiting Energaia and learning about their impressive journey over the past 25 years, I am confident that they are well positioned to lead the next phase of the energy transition at the local and regional level,” said Julije Domac. “Their vision—combining climate action, innovation, and new financing models—is ambitious yet grounded in solid experience and partnerships.”
Strengthening Strategic and Financial Foundations
Another key theme of the mission was Energaia’s financial and operational model. The expert and host agency exchanged on ways to reinforce strategic engagement in EU-funded projects—not only as a source of funding, but as a tool for innovation and influence.
New ideas were also discussed for diversifying income, including energy production and savings-based revenue streams. These reflections aim to ensure the agency has the resources and positioning to continue serving its territory effectively in the years ahead.
A Strong Foundation for What’s Next
The mission included field visits to several projects managed or supported by Energaia, offering the expert deeper insight into the agency’s capabilities and local impact. It also provided a space for mutual learning and identification of common challenges shared by energy agencies across Europe.
“This Expert Mission has provided Energaia with valuable knowledge and specific guidance on the most effective ways to address the challenges ahead,” said Luis Castanheira, Managing Director of Energaia. “It was very much supported by the experience and hands-on examples provided by the expert, which could not be given in any other way.”
Looking Ahead
With the support of ManagEnergy and the momentum created during the Expert Mission, Energaia is ready to launch its next phase. By building on its track record and embracing a more strategic, collaborative role, the agency is set to become a catalyst for regional decarbonisation and climate resilience in Portugal.
Details
- Reference
- Expert Missions
- Publication date
- 25 June 2025
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency