Project description
The Business Energy Transition Offices (Oficines Empresarials de Transició Energètica, OETE) are part of Catalonia’s Network of Business and Professional Offices for Promoting the Energy Transition, funded by the Catalan Institute of Energy (ICAEN). Based in Catalonia, Spain, and led by Pimec – the multi-sectoral business confederation defending and representing Catalan SMEs – the OETE support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) in identifying, planning and implementing energy transition projects. The initiative provides end-to-end assistance, including technical advisory, stakeholder coordination, guidance on funding opportunities and support for the adoption of renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean mobility and collective energy solutions.
- Challenges addressed
The OETE address key barriers faced by MSMEs, including high energy costs, limited awareness and internal technical capacity, regulatory complexity , administrative burden and difficulties in accessing finance. By fostering business opportunities and collaboration between companies, municipalities, technology providers and local communities, OETE contributes to a more competitive, clean, sustainable and economically resilient energy transition.
- Technology
The initiative considers a broad technological mix adapted to the needs of each company. Key solutions include solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage and battery systems, energy-efficiency measures, the electrification of industrial thermal processes, low-carbon HVAC solutions, building renovation, electric mobility and charging infrastructure. The OETE also support collective energy projects, such as energy communities and collective self-consumption schemes, and help MSME-led projects explore more innovative solutions, including carbon capture, green hydrogen, biofuels, district heating and cooling.
- Support received under CEAH
With CEAH support, the project is scaling up its efforts to accelerate the development of financially viable, MSME-led or MSME-involved energy communities and collective self-consumption schemes.
1. Pilot Portfolio Selection and Readiness Diagnosis
This activity identifies and prioritises a portfolio of 4–5 pilot cases of collective business or citizen-business energy projects, assessing their maturity, feasibility, and replication potential. It defines a structured basis for targeted support and knowledge transfer across subsequent activities. Key deliverables include:- A Pilot Portfolio Definition and Pre-Diagnosis, including selection of cases, maturity assessment, key barriers, opportunities, and recommended operational approach
- A Technical Assistance Operational Plan, outlining prioritised cases, timelines, responsibilities, deliverables, and information needs
2. Development, Structuring and Support of Pilot Cases
This activity provides integrated support to the selected pilot cases, adapting technical, financial, legal, and participatory inputs to their level of maturity. Key deliverables include:- A Technical-Economic Analysis of Scenarios, comparing technical options using real data where available
- An Applied Business Model, structuring costs, investments, savings, and benefit-sharing mechanisms
- Financing Options, identifying suitable funding mechanisms for each case (e.g. grants, loans, PPAs, public-private schemes)
- Legal and Organisational Options, outlining viable governance and partnership structures
- A Stakeholder Participation and Activation Strategy, defining engagement pathways and decision-making mechanisms
- Progress Roadmaps by Case, including milestones, risks, and next steps towards implementation
3. Knowledge Transfer, Internal Training and Replication Tools
This activity consolidates lessons learned and builds internal capacity within the OETE network, enabling replication across different territorial contexts. It focuses on systematising tools, methodologies, and practical insights from the pilot cases. Key deliverables include:- A Joint Exchange and Learning Session, sharing experiences and lessons across OETE teams
- Thematic Training Sessions, one per expert area (technical, financial, legal, participatory)
- An Internal OETE Toolkit, including practical templates, tools, and materials for project replication
- A Final Report and CEAH Deliverables Package, summarising results, methodologies, and recommendations for continuity and scaling
More information on the initiative can be found here on their website: Oficina Empresarial de Transició Energètica - Pimec