ENERGY@WORK SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA A R.L.

Their core work

ENERGY@WORK is a Bari-based cooperative specializing in smart energy systems integration, demand response, and building energy optimization. They develop and deploy solutions for smart grids, energy storage, and intelligent control systems that help buildings and districts achieve near-zero or positive energy performance. Their work spans the full chain from grid-level distribution optimization to individual building energy management, with growing involvement in community-driven energy transition and circular economy approaches.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

ENERGY@WORK started (2017–2019) with technically focused work on smart grid infrastructure: distribution grid modelling, demand response optimization, predictive control, and building-level energy storage and automation. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted toward district-scale and community-oriented energy transformation — positive energy districts, cultural heritage integration, decarbonisation pathways, and collective intelligence approaches. Most recently (2021), they branched into social dimensions of sustainability, including circular economy transitions and gendered innovation, suggesting a broadening from pure engineering toward socio-technical energy solutions.

Moving from component-level grid engineering toward community-scale energy transition with increasing attention to social inclusion and circular economy dimensions.

How they like to work

ENERGY@WORK operates exclusively as a consortium partner, never leading projects, which is consistent with a specialized SME contributing technical expertise within larger teams. With 150 unique partners across 24 countries in just 7 projects, they work in large-scale Innovation Action and Research consortia (typically 15–25 partners). This broad network suggests they are valued as a reliable technical contributor and are well-connected across European energy research circles.

Extensive European network of 150 unique partners across 24 countries, built through participation in large energy consortia. Their base in southern Italy (Bari) positions them well for Mediterranean climate and building stock challenges, though their partnerships span the full continent.

What sets them apart

ENERGY@WORK combines deep technical capability in smart grid and building energy systems with a cooperative organizational model, which gives them credibility in community-engagement and social innovation dimensions of energy projects. Their evolution from pure grid engineering into positive energy districts and just transition topics makes them a versatile partner who can bridge technical implementation with citizen-facing energy solutions. For consortium builders, they offer a southern Italian demonstration context (Mediterranean climate, heritage buildings) and proven experience across both Innovation Actions and Research projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• POCITYF
  Largest funding (EUR 400K) and longest running project (2019–2026), focused on positive energy city transformation with cultural heritage integration — their flagship engagement.
• inteGRIDy
  Their earliest H2020 project and most technically comprehensive, covering smart grid optimization across distribution, demand response, and predictive control.
• JUST2CE
  A strategic departure from energy engineering into circular economy and environmental justice, signaling organizational evolution toward broader sustainability.