For decades organisations have tried to stay ahead of each other by competing on many different

levels. However, during the last decade the boundary between competition and collaboration has

become a blur. To remain competitive in the global market, companies who were traditionally

competitors have started to collaborate and those in a customer-supplier relationship have taken

collaboration to a whole different level.

For over 25 years, the EFQM and its Partners have enabled the exchange of ideas and experience

between organisations in many different sectors, with a focus on identifying, documenting and sharing

good practices. Our network is dedicated to achieving sustainable excellence.

Energy is a key sector of the

European economy; in fact it’s fair

to say that our economies are

built on the energy sector. And

the sector is currently facing some

fundamental challenges that will

have a major impact on all our

futures.

Consumers face rising prices while

suppliers deal with increased

regulation, fluctuating demand

and wholesale prices… and

everyone needs to keep in mind

their ecological footprint.

New opportunities counter-

balance these challenges, like new markets and technologies; new ways of generating and distributing

energy. How do the market players address these sometimes conflicting factors?

The European Commission has developed the Climate and Energy package, with its 20-20-20 set of

targets. It is now working on a new Integrated Technology Roadmap for energy towards 2030, as part

of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The Commission has proposed several measures to increase efficiency

at all stages of the energy chain.

.

Whilst we recognise that some subjects cannot be discussed, there are a number of common issues

that the Energy Sector faces. Collaboration in these areas could deliver mutual benefits, not just for

those involved, but the European economy as a whole.

Challenges Opportunities

The European energy landscape faces numerous challenges, throughout its production and

distribution systems. While the technical demands of getting the energy from the production to

consumption remain complex, distributors must also take into consideration the various national

regulations and networks, and work across borders. Indeed, whilst the European Union strives to

increase competition for the benefit of consumers, each country has its own policy. Yet, markets are

largely interdependent as energy supply and demand are balanced internationally.

In addition, the energy sector must deal with a new challenger: the consumer is becoming a

competitor. Using solar panels, wind turbines and other personal energy sources, consumers are

increasingly becoming producers, sometimes subsidised by the State.

The energy landscape is also moving forward rapidly with new opportunities, needs and technologies,

even if the infrastructure required to store and distribute energy requires long-term planning and

investment. Nevertheless, this means all players must rapidly adapt their strategy, processes, skillset,

partnership, etc. to make the most of this business environment.

The platform provides you with an opportunity to learn from the experience of others, as well as

debate the issues that really matter to you. To stimulate the discussion, we have arranged a series of

events involving some leading players within the energy sector:

Find out how Red Eléctrica is contributing to creating a sustainable energy model.

Good practices include management of people and good governance of the

organisation.

Date: 3th June 2014 Theme: Creating a Sustainable Energy Model

GE will demonstrate some of the solutions that have been developed to modernise

and optimise the generation, distribution and consumption of energy; from turbine

to toaster.

Date: 11th June 2014 Theme: SMART Grid Demonstration

Learn how Bursagaz develops and adopts new ways of working to improve and

innovate its processes, products and services.

Date: 18th June 2014, 2.00 PM, CET Theme: Employee Involvement with Continuous Improvement

For more information on how to join the European Energy Platform, please contact us:

info@efqm.org +32 2 775 3511 www.efqm.org