Energy Saving Certificates (EACs) have become an essential tool in Spain's strategy to promote energy efficiency and compensate investments in energy-saving projects. This system, relatively recent in Spain, allows companies, individuals, and public administrations to obtain a financial return for reducing their energy consumption, turning the savings achieved into a type of asset that can be traded. In this way, not only is the adoption of more efficient technologies encouraged, but innovation and economic sustainability are also incentivized across various sectors.
In recent months, the Energy Savings Certificate (EAC) has attracted the attention of both public administrations and private companies . Numerous conferences and events have brought together experts and representatives from leading companies to showcase the advantages of this system and analyze its operation, current challenges, and the future of this promising market. The opportunities offered by EACs range from the partial recovery of efficiency investments to the generation of direct income through the sale of certified savings.
The operation of CAEs: how they are generated and who they benefit
An Energy Efficiency Certificate (CAE) is an official document that certifies a reduction in energy consumption at a facility after implementing an efficiency improvement, such as insulation upgrades, lighting system upgrades, or the incorporation of innovative technologies in industrial processes. The equivalence is simple: each CAE represents a saving of 1 kWh of final energy and, once verified, can be sold on the regulated market. In Spain, the system is managed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge , in collaboration with regional authorities and industry stakeholders.
When accessing Energy Efficiency Certificates (CAE), any individual or legal entity can participate: homeowners, residents' associations, companies of all sizes and sectors, and even public administrations . After implementing the energy efficiency measure, an Authorized Manager must be involved to oversee the process, from the technical assessment to the verification and sale of the savings. In this way, the developer receives financial compensation proportional to the energy saved , which helps reduce the payback period for the investment.
In many cases, the compensation received by Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) ranges from 10% to 30% of the improvement cost , depending on the type of project, the volume of energy saved, and market conditions at the time. Furthermore, EPCs promote transparency and traceability by requiring external verification of the savings achieved and documenting the entire process.
Institutional involvement, innovation, and technological solutions in the CAE market
Administrations such as the Xunta de Galicia and city councils like that of Lleida have organized information sessions and roundtables to promote the CAE system and facilitate its implementation in the productive sector. Experts have emphasized the role of CAEs in incentivizing investment in efficient technologies, reducing costs for consumers , and accelerating decarbonization, as well as consolidating the position of regional companies in the field of sustainability.
Cases like that of Galicia illustrate the tangible impact: in 2024, the Galician CAE market recorded savings of 325 GWh , representing 3,7% of the community's electricity consumption, generating savings on the bill of around 50 million euros and around 43 million euros in direct income for companies.
Digitalization is also transforming the energy performance certificate market. Platforms such as energy labeling systems allow for the comprehensive and automated management of energy efficiency projects, from identifying and calculating savings to verifying and marketing certificates. This approach facilitates the integration of all stakeholders in the system (owners, regulated entities, intermediaries, installers, aggregators, and financial institutions), even enabling the grouping of small projects to achieve significant energy savings.
The role of CAEs in industry, construction and mobility
In the industrial and construction sectors, Energy Efficiency Centers (EACs) are driving reforms and improvements . Companies like Circutor have organized workshops to discuss technical solutions for measuring and validating energy savings, as well as the challenges of data traceability and the need for appropriate equipment. Although implemented since 2023, the system still faces challenges such as a lack of awareness in certain sectors and the difficulty of quantifying some specific actions, but the adoption rate is increasing and the shared best practices demonstrate the system's potential.
Electric mobility and transportation are also benefiting from Energy Efficiency Certification (EEC). Car brands, dealerships, and fleet companies can monetize the energy savings resulting from replacing combustion engine vehicles with electric ones or from implementing telematics systems to optimize consumption. Thanks to agreements between large groups and the creation of sector-specific digital platforms, users can receive immediate bonuses, in addition to other subsidies available for purchasing electric vehicles. Furthermore, technological tools allow companies to certify and optimize the performance of their vehicles in real time, generating additional revenue for every kilometer driven efficiently.
Case studies, experiences, and future prospects of the CAE system
During conferences and events across Spain, representatives from government agencies, energy service companies, installers, and manufacturers shared real-world experiences implementing the CAE system . Examples were presented from residential, industrial, transport fleet, and public administration sectors, highlighting the economic benefits and the creation of synergies between stakeholders, technicians, and the public.
CAEs also foster a culture of efficiency, improve sector transparency, and facilitate the achievement of environmental and competitiveness objectives at the local and national levels. The creation of new professional profiles and collaboration between entities are energizing the market, with tools that enable traceability and the grouping of projects to maximize the impact of energy savings at all levels.
The evolution of the Spanish CAE market demonstrates that the system is consolidating as a flexible and effective tool for boosting efficiency, rewarding savings efforts, and opening up new opportunities for large companies, small businesses, and individuals alike.