ManagEnergy Expert Mission #8: Island Energy Agencies Unite for Transition

From May 27-29, 2024, the Dalmatian Energy Agency (DEA) in Split, Croatia, welcomed the 8th ManagEnergy Expert Mission. Led by Savvas Vlachos from the Cyprus Energy Agency (CEA), the mission aimed to strengthen DEA's strategic development, boost stakeholder engagement, and enhance visibility.

“DEA is a newly established agency. We worked together on their way of operating and the strategic decisions needed for the organization to grow and achieve a positive impact for the energy transition.” 

Savvas Vlachos, ManagEnergy Expert and director of the Cyprus Energy Agency

Over the three-day mission, DEA and ManagEnergy Expert Savvas Vlachos engaged in an in-depth onsite support, training, and direct one-to-one coaching sessions. The mission's primary focus was the strategic development of DEA, established in 2022, and sharing knowledge on mobilizing EU funding.

The mission commenced on May 27 with a meeting involving the expert, DEA Director Mario Jakić, and DEA Project Manager Đoni Garmaz. They discussed DEA's current model, service delivery methods, financial stability, funding mechanisms, and key challenges. Both agencies exchanged insights into their histories, current projects, and future plans. Savvas Vlachos provided detailed advice on project development and EU fund applications based on his extensive experience.

On the second day, DEA hosted a meeting with county representatives, including Deputy Prefect Ante Šošić and Head of the Department for Economy, EU Funds, and Agriculture, Anđelko Katavić. The discussion covered the administrative, energy, environmental-social, and communication aspects of energy agencies' operations. They aimed to identify mutual improvement projects and challenges, reviewing past energy projects in the county. The meeting emphasized the importance of enthusiasm for the energy future and cooperation between the agency and the county.

The final day of the mission saw Savvas presenting specific examples of Interreg Euro-Med calls, highlighting critical details for project acceptance or rejection. These potential projects are vital for the sustainable development, environmental protection, and economic growth of the Split-Dalmatia County and the entire Dalmatia region. The mission underscored the importance of synergy in the strategy of energy agencies, significantly contributing to this goal.

"This expert mission was a step forward in the mutual cooperation of our European energy agencies and expanded the horizons for future energy projects." 

Mario Jakić, Director of the Dalmatian Energy Agency

Through collaboration, shared expertise, and innovative approaches, the 8th ManagEnergy Expert Mission has equipped DEA with valuable insights and strategies to lead the energy transition in the Dalmatian region.