What is a Cluster?
A cluster is such a group of enterprises and institutions that depend on each other, co-operate and at the same time compete with each other. They are active in one or more regions; they specialize in one or two specific sectors of the economy and are bound together by common technologies and capacities.
The assistance provided by a cluster is really important as the economic competition is getting more and more relentless and the growing interest for better business practices can be observed as well. The demand for new solutions is on the increase and the work of researchers and innovators becomes more valuable. In the course of economic competition, the concentration of capital and knowledge builds up and the lack of the appropriate response results in the underperformance of small and medium sized enterprises.
Those innovative SMEs and institutions which are interested in clusterization but have no significant capital, might want to give up part of their sovereignty in order to create a greater value-added product or service in co-operation with other enterprises, which would give a real competitive advantage on the long-term.
Short History
ArchEnerg was established on 21st March 2007 with the aim of creating an economic and social model based on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency that moves green economy enterprises and society towards a more sustainable future. ArchEnerg Regional Renewable Energy and Building Trade Cluster won the certificate of „Accredited Innovation Cluster” on 28th November 2008. As a result of the continuous growth and development, the Cluster was re-accredited in 2009. The membership of the Cluster consist of mostly small and medium size enterprises.
Activities and Results
During the operation the Cluster has developed an extensive activity network. The primary task is to support its members participating in the strategic industrial sectors. This includes infrastructure development, lobbying, marketing and generation of interest for their products and services. The Cluster is involved in other activities as well; such as organizing successful professional conferences (REMEK’08 and REMEK’09 and REMEK-SZENERG’10). In this regard, it aims to shape the attitude of people regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency. Thus, the Cluster promotes the energy conscious way of life at different expos and family programmes, for example Earth Day.
International business contacts also play a crucial role in the life of the ArchEnerg Cluster. The central office in Szeged is well-situated in terms of cross-border co-operations with the DKMT Euroregion. Knowing this, the Cluster is looking for opportunities on both sides of the border.
Our existing business relations are rewarded by participating in shared projects with partners across the border co-ordinated directly from Brussels (e.g.: Cross-border Co-operation Programme 2007-2013). The Cluster works on regional pilot projects as well. One of the examples for this is a pyrolysis initiative for energy recovery from waste that is realized within the framework of the Economic Development Operational Programme (EDOP).This can be a good example to eliminate communal waste in a way that is friendly to the environment.
A 1MW capacity solar farm pilot project is under preparation in the Szeged district which would be the largest photovoltaic power plant in Hungary at present.
Complex services of the ArchEnerg Cluster:
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Generation of projects
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Marketing
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Searching for financial solutions
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Tender watch, partner search
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Demand assessment
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Needs assessment and mediation of trainings
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Organization of professional courses, presentations, lectures
Services provided by the members of the ArchEnerg Cluster:
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Solar energy utilization: installation of photovoltaic and solar systems for the production of domestic hot water, including water needed for the heating system or for producing domestic solar electricity
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Geothermal energy utilization: installation of heat pump systems
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Biomass utilization: compact biomass utilization (furnace, wood, brick, pellet), planning and building of plants based on biogas
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Prefabricated and passive houses: planning and implementation of energy efficient houses
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Building industry, engineering: planning, implementation, heat insulation, renovation
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Consulting, preparing feasibility studies, organizing audits, tender consultations
For further inquiries please contact us.
