REA Kvarner hosts the first expert mission in Croatia

In the period from 13 to 15 February 2019, the Regional Energy Agency of Primorsko-goranska County - REA Kvarner - hosted the 7th ManageEnergy professional mission that is being held for the first time in Croatia. Within the mission at the REA Kvarner headquarters, the director of the energy agency of the Irish province of Tipperary - Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA) - Paul Kenny, delivered a presentation on the activities of its agency.

It is one of the most successful energy agencies in Europe for over 20 years successfully implementing projects in the field of communal energy and renewable energy sources, and is well known for its work with civic initiatives and energy cooperatives, energy management, energy reconstruction, public buildings as well as family houses and innovative ways to finance energy projects that often involve the active engagement of the community in which they are being implemented.

Asked about the purpose of a three-day visit to the Primorsko-goranska County, Kenny said, "What we are trying to do is use examples from Ireland to try to help other agencies across Europe, especially the Regional Energy Agency of Kvarner, to see how they can learn from our Examples that may be somewhat different - we may have different types of construction or different technology, but here it is important to emphasize that it is about how the energy agency can lead and support the process of energy transition in its region. The Energy Agency represents a small part of society and what we really are is a driver of activity, we encourage people to activities by informing them, providing them with knowledge, encouraging them to the energy transition. " Kenny particularly emphasized one of the most important role of the agency,

During a three-day professional visit, REA Kvarner employees will have the opportunity to exchange concrete operational experiences on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and to compare the problems and challenges of the Croatian and Irish energy sector. 
Representatives of the Primorsko-goranska County and its Regional Development Agencies participated in the initial presentation of the activities carried out by the Tipperary Energy Agency, while representatives of the other Croatian energy agencies will join the three-day visit. A study visit to Krk is also planned during which the participants will meet with representatives of the City of Krk, the Association of Eco-Kvarner, the Energy Cooperative of the Island of Krk and the Ponikve Krk doo Company, with the aim of exchange of knowledge and ideas in the development of smart energy self-reliant islands.

ManagEnergy is a European Commission initiative dedicated to regional and local energy agencies whose purpose is to help energy agencies become leaders in energy transition and to increase investment in sustainable energy in regions and cities.