The Official State Gazette (BOE) of July 18, 2024 has published a catalog of measures aimed at promoting energy savings through the implementation of energy savings certificates (CAEs).
These measures seek to encourage companies and citizens to adopt practices and technologies that reduce energy consumption, promoting greater efficiency in various sectors.
SOCOTEC, as delegated subject, offers a detailed and summarized analysis of these new measures, covering their objectives, implications and expected impact on different economic sectors.
Introduction of Energy Saving Certificates - Vender CAES
These certificates will be awarded to entities that achieve significant reductions in their energy consumption.
The CAEs will be tradable in a specific market, allowing companies to sell their surplus energy savings to others that need to meet their goals.
Function and Benefits of CAEs
En este nuevo catálogo de medidas, los CAEs actuarán como un mecanismo de mercado que incentivará económicamente a las empresas para que inviertan en eficiencia energética. Los beneficios de esta medida incluyen:
In this new catalog of measures, the CAEs will act as a market mechanism that will economically incentivize companies to invest in energy efficiency. The benefits of this measure include:
Tax and Financial Incentives
To encourage participation in the CAEs program, various tax and financial incentives have been established. These incentives include:
- Tax Deductions: Companies that obtain CAEs will be eligible for corporate tax deductions, which will reduce their tax burden.
- Preferential Financing Lines: Financing lines will be created with preferential conditions for projects that contribute to energy savings. These lines of financing will be available to both companies and individuals making energy efficiency improvements to their homes or businesses.
Access to Financial Resources
Access to these fiscal and financial incentives will enable more companies, including SMEs, to undertake energy efficiency projects. This is especially important in sectors where upfront investment can be a significant barrier to the adoption of new technologies.
CAES
Measurement and Verification
One of the fundamental pillars of this program is the implementation of robust measurement and verification systems to ensure that the reported energy savings are real and verifiable. To this end, the following mechanisms have been established:
- Energy Audits: Energy audits will be a key tool to certify savings. These audits must be carried out by accredited entities that will guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the reported data.
- Continuous Monitoring Systems: Continuous energy consumption monitoring systems will be implemented, which will allow for a constant, real-time evaluation of the savings achieved.
One of the fundamental pillars of this program is the implementation of robust measurement and verification systems to ensure that the reported energy savings are real and verifiable. To this end, the following mechanisms have been established:
- Energy Audits: Energy audits will be a key tool to certify savings. These audits must be carried out by accredited entities that will guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the reported data.
- Continuous Monitoring Systems: Continuous energy consumption monitoring systems will be implemented, which will allow for a constant, real-time evaluation of the savings achieved.
Transparency and Trust
These measurement and verification mechanisms are essential to maintain confidence in the national system of CAE obligations. Transparency in the certification of energy savings will ensure that the certificates issued represent true energy savings, which is crucial to the success of the REC market.
Education and Awareness
Education and awareness are critical components for the success of these measures. Awareness campaigns will be carried out to inform citizens and businesses about the importance of energy savings and the advantages of the CAEs. In addition, training programs will be implemented for professionals in the energy sector to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out energy efficiency projects.
Training Programs
The training programs will focus on:
- Energy Saving Techniques: training on best practices and technologies available to reduce final energy consumption.
- Project Management: Training in the planning and management of energy efficiency projects, including the procurement and marketing of CAEs.
- Regulations and Compliance: Detailed information on current regulations and requirements for obtaining CAEs.
Impact on Economic Sectors
The new catalog of measures on energy saving certificates will have a significant impact on various sectors of the economy. The implications for some of the most relevant sectors are detailed below.
Industrial Sector
The industrial sector is one of the largest consumers of energy and, therefore, one of the main beneficiaries of these measures. Industrial companies will be able to:
- Invest in Efficient Technologies: The adoption of more efficient production technologies will reduce final energy consumption and improve competitiveness.
- Improve Production Processes: The implementation of energy management systems and the optimization of production processes will contribute to achieve significant savings.
Examples of Applications
- High Efficiency Motors: Replacement of old motors with high efficiency motors.
- Cogeneration Systems: Implementation of cogeneration systems to take advantage of waste heat and generate electricity.
Sector del transporte
The transportation sector will also benefit from the new measures, with a focus on reducing emissions and energy consumption. Initiatives include:
- Encouraging the Use of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Incentives for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the expansion of charging infrastructure.
- Route Optimization: Implementation of fleet management systems that optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption.
- Promotion of Public Transportation: Improvements in the energy efficiency of public transportation and campaigns to promote its use.
Examples of Measures
- Fleet Electrification: Incentives for the electrification of public and private transport fleets.
- Advanced Navigation Systems: Use of advanced navigation systems to optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption.
Building sector
The building sector is another key area where the new measures will have a considerable impact. The initiatives focus on:
- Renovation and Energy Efficiency Improvement of Existing Buildings: Programs for the renovation of older buildings to improve their energy efficiency.
- High Efficiency Standards for New Construction: Implementation of high energy efficiency standards for new construction.
Examples of Interventions
- Thermal Insulation: Improving the thermal insulation of buildings to reduce heating and cooling demand.
- Efficient Lighting Systems: Replacement of obsolete lighting systems with energy-efficient LED technologies.
Residential Sector
The residential sector will also benefit from the new measures, with a focus on improving the energy efficiency of homes. Initiatives include:
- Incentives for Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems: Programs for the installation of high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
- Promotion of the Use of Efficient Appliances: Campaigns to encourage the use of energy efficient appliances.
Examples of Interventions
- Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems: Incentives for the installation of heat pumps and other high efficiency systems.
- Energy Efficient Appliances: Promotion of the use of appliances with energy labeling class A or higher.
Expected Impact
The new energy savings certificate measures have the potential to generate a significant impact in several aspects:
Reduction of Energy Consumption.
A considerable decrease in energy consumption at the national level is expected, which will contribute to sustainability and CO2 emission reduction targets. This is crucial for meeting international climate change commitments and moving towards a greener and more sustainable economy.
Economic Stimulus
The creation of a market for energy savings certificates can generate a new economic environment, stimulating investment in clean technologies and the creation of green jobs. In addition, savings in energy costs will improve the competitiveness of businesses, especially in energy-intensive sectors.
Business Competitiveness
Companies that adopt energy saving measures will see an improvement in their competitiveness by reducing their operating costs and accessing fiscal and financial benefits. This will not only allow them to be more sustainable, but also more profitable in the long term.
SOCOTEC as a Delegated Subject of CAES
At SOCOTEC, we act as a delegated subject of CAES, which means that we are authorized to manage and certify the energy savings of the companies participating in this program.
We are part of the National Association of Delegated Subjects. This association acts as an interlocutor between the Ministry and the needs of the companies, working to improve work procedures, increase the number of standard forms to reduce paperwork, and guarantee the integrity of the system.
Being a delegated subject of CAES implies a series of responsibilities, such as the evaluation, validation and verification of reported energy savings. This ensures that the certificates issued reflect real and verifiable savings.
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