ManagEnergy Expert Mission #24: Shaping Navarre’s New Energy Agency

From 18–20 November 2025, Lisa Vaughan, CEO of Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA), undertook the 24th ManagEnergy Expert Mission to Pamplona, supporting the Government of Navarre in laying the foundations of ATENA, the region’s soon-to-be-established Energy Agency for the Energy Transition.

Building the Agency from the Ground Up

The Expert Mission provided a timely opportunity for the Government of Navarre team working on ATENA’s establishment to define first-year priorities and engage key stakeholders. Day 1 focused on introductions and an overview of the regional energy context. The expert shared her experience from Ireland’s Tipperary Energy Agency, and workshops helped participants identify gaps in regional energy and climate action delivery, future skills needs, funding models, and potential risks.

On Day 2, a broader set of stakeholders, including representatives from public enterprises and the Regional Government, joined the discussions. Workshops addressed priority activities for the future agency, its coordination and research roles, support for municipalities implementing climate initiatives and SECAPs, sustainable mobility, and key enabling actions in skills, funding, and governance. Stakeholder engagement was high, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Day 3 was dedicated to consolidating the outcomes of the workshops. The team, together with the expert, summarised and prioritised actions for the coming months, helping to ensure a solid and coordinated start for ATENA once formally established.

Expert and Stakeholder Reflections

Lisa Vaughan highlighted the significance of the mission: “The Expert Mission provided a timely opportunity for the new energy agency of Navarre, ATENA, to consider and debate its mission and goals and present these to key stakeholders with my support.”

Local stakeholders expressed strong appreciation for the expertise shared: “Lisa has been a very important help, with a lot of knowledge and ability to teach. It has been a very fruitful and interesting day.”
“The experience, information, and visit of an energy agency from another European country has been a great opportunity to take another step in the creation of ATENA. We are deeply grateful to Lisa Vaughan for supporting us, cooperating with us, and sharing recommendations.”

Laying the Foundations for Navarre’s Energy Transition

The mission strengthened a shared vision for the future agency and fostered strong stakeholder engagement at a crucial moment. With clear priorities identified and broad buy-in secured, Navarre is well positioned to move forward with the establishment of ATENA and accelerate its energy transition efforts.

Through this Expert Mission, ManagEnergy continues to support regional and local authorities across Europe in building strong governance structures and advancing the energy transition.

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