ManagEnergy Expert Mission #26: Strengthening Energy Agency Cooperation in Italy

From 20–22 January 2026, Christiane Egger undertook the 26th ManagEnergy Expert Mission in Modena and Milan, Italy, hosted by AESS, the Modena Energy and Sustainable Development Agency, and organised in cooperation with RENAEL, the national network of regional and local Energy Agencies in Italy.

Over three days, the mission brought together experts and practitioners to exchange experiences on Energy Communities, citizen-led renovation, renewable heating and cooling, and the development of future Energy Agency services and strategies.

Exploring Future Services and Strategic Priorities

The mission began in Modena with a strategic session involving AESS management. Discussions focused on the evolution of Energy Agency management and the identification of potential new services to support local energy transitions.

A plenary session with representatives from all AESS divisions provided an opportunity to align priorities across the organisation and exchange insights on ongoing and future initiatives. Additional thematic sessions explored EU-funded projects, including ESCALATE, and examined how Energy Agencies can strengthen their support for citizens, municipalities, and businesses.

Particular attention was given to citizen-led renovation approaches, renewable heating and cooling, Energy Communities, and One-Stop Shop (OSS) models. Throughout the discussions, OSSs emerged as important tools for delivering integrated energy services and supporting citizens through the renovation process.

Sharing Experiences on Energy Communities and RENOSS

On the third day, the Expert Mission continued in Milan with a workshop organised by RENAEL in the context of RENOSS,  a initiative of the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security to create a national network of One-Stop Shops dedicated to supporting energy communities.

The sessions focused on the development of the RENOSS business plan and broader strategic directions for the network. Christiane Egger shared experiences from Upper Austria on the development of Energy Communities, sparking constructive discussions on mutual learning, cooperation opportunities, and the future role of Energy Agencies in supporting local energy transitions.

Expert and Stakeholder Reflections

Reflecting on the mission, Christiane Egger highlighted the collaborative atmosphere throughout the visit:

“The entire mission was characterised by Italian hospitality, the strong expertise of the AESS team, and a highly open and constructive spirit of discussion.”

Christiane Egger, Deputy Manager at OÖ Energiesparverband & ManagEnergy Expert

The mission also reinforced cooperation between regional and local Energy Agencies across Europe, while providing valuable opportunities to exchange practical experiences and explore innovative service models.

Through Expert Missions such as this one, ManagEnergy continues to support Energy Agencies and local authorities in strengthening their capacities, developing new services, and accelerating Europe’s energy transition.

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