Standards: the green powerhouse for SMEs in renewable energy
Last updated:
28/11/2025
The transition to a sustainable energy supply is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial, often underestimated role in it. From the innovative production of solar energy components to the maintenance of wind turbines and the development of biofuels: SMEs are the engine of the green revolution.
But how can these flexible, local players maximize their impact and compete in a rapidly evolving, international market? The answer lies in standardization.
Standards are more than just technical rules; they are the essential building blocks for reliability, efficiency and market access in the renewable energy sector.
Market Access & Competitiveness
By complying with harmonized standards (such as EN or ISO standards), SMEs can demonstrate that their products, services and processes are of high quality and safety. This is often a requirement to participate in tenders or to export to other countries.
Innovation and Efficiency
Standards provide a standardized framework for compatibility and interoperability. This is crucial for integrating new energy solutions - think connecting solar panels to the grid or operating different types of charging stations. SMEs can focus on their innovation, knowing that their product will connect seamlessly.
Safety and Confidence
The use of standards ensures the safety of installations, workers and end users (e.g., in solar or wind power). This builds trust among consumers, governments and investors, which is essential for scaling up renewable technologies.
risk management
Standards help SMEs comply with regulatory requirements and reduce liability and operational failure risks.
A recent study by Small Business Standards (SBS), titled "Empowering SMEs in the Renewable Energy Sector through Standardization," highlights the vital role of SMEs in various segments and points to the areas where standardization offers the greatest levers:
The SBS study also analyzes the role of SMEs in the emerging hydrogen sector. Standards here are still in the making, and SMEs are vital to the development of future-proof standards around the production, storage, transportation and use of hydrogen.
Opportunities for innovation: SMEs excel in niche markets and in the development of new components, such as secure storage systems, fuel cells and the necessary distribution infrastructure. Standardization ensures that these innovative products are safe and compatible with the growing international network.
By participating in the standardization process now, SMEs can ensure that the rules governing the hydrogen economy serve their interests and strengthen their unique position as innovation engines.
Although SMEs are the backbone of green energy, their participation in standards development is often still limited. This is a missed opportunity.
Standards bodies such as the NBN bring specialists to the table where tomorrow's rules are written. By participating in technical committees, SME practitioners can ensure that new standards:
The NBN therefore encourages SMEs and their representative organizations to actively participate in the standardization process. Only in this way can we ensure that the standards shaping the future of renewable energy really work for everyone.
Interested in helping set standards for hydrogen, solar or another renewable energy sector?
Would you like to find more information on how to participate in a specific committee?
