Back to Interreg NWE
  2. About

About

As North-West Europe ramps up renewable energy production, one challenge looms large: how to make sure this energy is used locally, efficiently, and fairly. Business parks—responsible for over 30% of the region’s energy use—are at the heart of this opportunity. Yet many still lack the tools to manage and optimize their energy use. 

That’s where GEMS (Green Energy Management for Business Parks) comes in. 

Funded by Interreg North-West Europe (Call 4), GEMS is a three-year, transnational project (2025–2027) designed to help business parks become active players in the clean energy transition. By developing and piloting smart Energy Management Systems (EMS), GEMS supports business parks in integrating renewable energy, reducing emissions, and easing pressure on the grid. 

Real solutions for real places 

GEMS focuses on mid-sized business parks (1–20 MW), creating EMS solutions that are scalable, financially viable, and technically sound. Using cutting-edge Digital Twin simulations, the project tailors these systems to local needs and ensures they’re ready for real-world rollout. 

With 14 partners across the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, and Ireland—including regional business support organisations (BSOs), technical experts, and universities—GEMS combines deep local knowledge with international collaboration. 

From pilots to replication 

The project delivers: 

  • 4 transferable EMS configurations, co-developed across regions 

  • 6 pilot implementations in real business parks across 5 countries 

  • 1 action plan for smarter energy use in business parks across North-West Europe 

  • 1 capacity-building programme aimed at training at least 50 people from BSOs and regional agencies 

Engaging the ecosystem 

Over 250 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will participate in demonstrations and training activities. At the same time, GEMS will build strong networks with local authorities, energy providers, and the wider public to create a shared vision for sustainable, business-led energy use. 

Looking ahead 

By the end of its lifecycle, GEMS will have laid the groundwork for widespread adoption of EMS solutions across Europe—empowering business parks to become energy-smart, future-ready, and central to a just and green transition.