ENNEREG Further Information

Regions paving the way for a Sustainable Energy Europe.

Project Background 

The ENNEREG project involves 12 Pioneer Regions in the EU, of all types and sizes ranging from islands in Greece and Portugal to the whole of Wales, committed to demonstrating how regions can be a key driving force in fulfilling the EU’s 20-20-20 goals.

The ultimate aim of the ENNEREG project is to establish and inspire a network of regions throughout Europe, Regions 202020, to produce regional Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs) and replicate Sustainable Energy Projects (SEPs).

Project History

In May 2010, the 12 ENNEREG Pioneers started on their journey to become Sustainable Energy Regions.  These ENNEREG Regions, which range from islands in Greece and Portugal to the whole of Wales, are developing and implementing Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs) and Projects (SEPs), exchanging experiences and lessons learned in the process.

The 12 regional partnerships in Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom are making a coordinated approach in defining visions and goals suited to the local policy context, the region’s resources and the interests of stakeholders. This will lead, among others, to the elaboration of Sustainable Energy Action Plans and the implementation of selected sustainable energy projects in each region as well as to the launch of Covenant of Mayors’ Supporting Structures.

The 12 ENNEREG Pioneers are not only working in their own regions, but are also:

  • sharing their experiences as they progress 
  • providing step-by-step information on how regions can develop and implement their SEAPs and SEPs 
  • identifying good practice and learning from other Pioneer Sustainable Energy Regions throughout Europe


Activities of the ENNEREG Pioneers

  • Stimulating stakeholder involvement in their regions
  • Identifying good practice and lessons learnt in their own and other pioneer regions 
  • Setting regional visions and goals 
  • Formulating short and long term Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs)
  • Fostering specific investments and end-use measures for Sustainable Energy Projects (SEPs)


As well as learning from their shared experience, the ENNEREG Pioneers aim to tap into the wealth of knowledge gained by other pioneer regions throughout Europe that are already developing and implementing Sustainable Energy actions.

By sharing experiences, the Pioneer Regions will inspire and guide other Replication regions to become a key driving force in fulfilling the EU 20-20-20 climate and energy targets. 

Four key stages in the journey to a Sustainable Energy Europe:

  • Pioneer Regions lead the way
  • Exchanging experience via the Regions 202020 network and events.  
  • Interacting with other EU Local and Regional Energy Actions including Sustainable Energy Community projects.
  • Inspiring replication in Regions and communities throughout Europe.


The networking carried out by Severn Wye under the ENNEREG project has contributed significantly to the development of the SEPs below. Severn Wye recognises that its strength is in reaching the grass roots organisations, community groups and individuals. For example, the Community Renewable Energy Event and Exhibition held in December 2010 was very well-attended and demonstrated that there was considerable level of interest amongst community groups in taking forward community owned renewable energy generation schemes. The Green Valleys SEP below is focusing on extending the micro-hydro power development scheme from the Brecon Beacons National Park to the remainder of Wales. The Green Valleys (TGV) works closely with community groups and individuals in providing support from the pre-feasibility stage right through to completions. Some of the interest generated at this event has since been harnessed and has developed into schemes or projects – sometimes supported by Severn Wye, TGV and sometimes via other routes. The other networking events carried out under ENNEREG include the EU Sustainable Energy Week in Carmarthenshire in April 2011, and The Green Horizons Exhibition in May 2011; both demonstrated the growing interest in energy efficiency and renewable energy and informed the development of Severn Wye’s SEPs.