ManagEnergy Work Shadowing Visits 2025: Peer Learning and New Perspectives Across Europe

Fostering Cooperation and Practical Learning 

Between September and November 2025, ManagEnergy facilitated three Work Shadowing visits in Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Designed to complement the programme’s Master Classes and Expert Missions, these exchanges offer a closer look at the daily operations, tools, and organisational models that drive successful energy agencies. 

26 participants from local and regional energy agencies took part this year, engaging in advanced discussions, peer exchange, and visits to exemplary sustainable energy projects. The visits strengthened cooperation across Europe’s energy agencies community and provided concrete ideas participants can bring back to their own organisations. 

ESV – Strengthening Agency Portfolios & Working With Businesses 

Hosted by the Regional Energy Agency of Upper Austria (ESV) on 9-10 September, this visit explored how agencies can expand and refine their service portfolios while fostering strong partnerships with municipalities, industry, and younger generations. Participants discovered ESV’s approach to collaborating with local companies and supporting SMEs, as well as its hands-on initiatives for schools such as the “E-Factory” programme. 

A visit to a leading automation company and a pioneering municipality illustrated how ESV’s cooperation model translates into real-world impact. Discussions also delved into new service development, municipal collaboration on innovative heating solutions, and the growing relevance of Energy Communities in the region. 

“Christiane Egger, her team and a lot of committed local actors have managed to demonstrate how competitiveness and quality of life can thrive through the energy transition. Thank you for making this Work Shadowing visit happen!“  

Mariane Crevon, Klimaschutzagentur Mannheim CEO and Work Shadowing participant

ENERGAP – Integrated One-Stop-Shops & Strategic Stakeholder Engagement 

The visit to Maribor on 21–22 October focused on ENERGAP’s evolution into a regional one-stop-shop providing integrated support to public authorities, businesses, and citizens. Participants explored how the energy and climate agency has diversified its funding model, implemented a central energy management system for more than 250 public buildings, and developed methodologies for climate-neutrality planning and EPC projects. 

A rotating “marketplace” format enabled participants to learn about ENERGAP’s tools, communication practices, and operational procedures in a dynamic way. Field visits to Radlje ob Dravi and Selnica ob Dravi showcased sustainable mobility initiatives, high-performance renovations, and award-winning public buildings such as a passive timber kindergarten. The visit concluded with a forward-looking discussion on how energy agencies can position themselves in a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by AI, new financing schemes and future EU policies. 

REGEA – Sustainable Buildings, PV Deployment & Regional Partnerships  

The final Work Shadowing visit of 2025 took place on 12–13 November with North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency (REGEA) in Zagreb and its surrounding region. Participants gained insights into sustainable building practices, large-scale photovoltaic deployment, and the regional partnerships that underpin REGEA’s long-standing success. 

A visit to the Utrine Swimming Pool demonstrated how the PVMax project is helping public buildings reduce energy costs and emissions. At the Bračak Energy Centre, the group learned about REGEA’s advisory work with municipalities, plans for expanding PV systems, and different cooperation models with cities and regions. The programme also included a tour of the Regenerator complex, an example of how sustainability principles can be embedded into urban redevelopment and community spaces. 

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Europe’s Network of Energy Agencies 

The 2025 Work Shadowing visits once again underlined the value of hands-on learning and inter-agency cooperation. Across all three hosts, participants gained practical insights into: 

• organisational development and internal structures
• diversified agency portfolios and financing approaches
• cooperation with municipalities
• project development in buildings, renewables and EPC
• stakeholder engagement and inter-agency collaboration sustainable mobility, energy communities and local climate planning. 

"In those moments, we are reminded once again that although we live in a small country, we can achieve great things."

Julije Domac, REGEA Director and Work Shadowing Host

Together with the four Work Shadowing activities organised in 2024, ManagEnergy has now facilitated seven exchanges, bringing together 50 participants from local and regional energy agencies and public authorities across Europe. With the completion of all planned Work Shadowing activities, the initiative leaves behind a strong legacy of shared knowledge, deeper partnerships, and sustained peer-to-peer learning across Europe’s energy agencies.