Overview of Spain’s Energy Saving Plan and Corporate Commitments
In response to a price crisis and potential energy shortages intensified by the war in Ukraine, the government of Spain introduced an emergency action plan at the start of October last year. The core aim was to cut energy consumption by a range of 5.1% to 13.5%, addressing concerns at the European level while supporting households and businesses. The plan outlined 73 measures, which included regulatory steps as well as voluntary actions. Invitations extended to larger companies, defined as those with a turnover of 50 million euros or more or more than 250 employees, asking them to prepare energy saving plans and submit them to the Ministry, which is chaired by Teresa Ribera, the Third Vice-President. The Executive set a three-month deadline for submitting these plans via the electronic platform available for this purpose. The initiative reflects a broader push to align national efforts with European energy targets while ensuring transparency and accountability across large energy users.
The process reached a critical point five months after the deadline and a year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Not all companies have publicly shared their plans, but Endesa stands out as the first major Spanish energy company to submit a comprehensive proposal. Endesa, known as a leading energy supplier with a significant customer base, submitted its plan on February 14, outlining steps to reduce primary energy consumption by 9.6 terawatt-hours per year, roughly equivalent to the average annual consumption of one million homes. About half of the proposed measures are already in place, with the remaining actions scheduled for the next two years. This shows a practical path toward energy efficiency while maintaining reliable service to customers.
The strategies proposed by the company emphasize self-consumption facilities and improvements in insulation, air conditioning, and lighting within corporate buildings. They also include fleet electrification, reducing losses in electricity distribution, and decarbonizing the production footprint. The plan envisions increasing renewable integration and divesting from coal, alongside expanding the gas portfolio for industrial customers. In short, the emphasis is on efficiency, resilience, and a gradual, tangible shift toward cleaner generation and consumption practices. The focus on installing more renewable capacity and refining the energy mix aligns with national goals and the broader European transition.
Among the other major players that have a state presence in their ownership or governance, a broad suite of efficiency measures is being considered. These include setting air conditioning to 27 degrees Celsius in summer and 19 degrees in winter, promoting responsible energy use among employees, and encouraging behaviors such as turning off lights when not needed. Additional improvements cover LED lighting renovations, enhanced boiler efficiency, and facilities for bike parking. Some organizations also advocate for remote work arrangements to curb consumption further. These measures illustrate a comprehensive approach that blends operational changes with behavioral shifts, creating a more energy-conscious corporate culture across multiple sectors.
For those considering on-site generation, several entities, including Cetarsa, Enusa, Tragsa, Enresa, Redeia, Navantia, and Hunosa, have explored or implemented photovoltaic options for self-consumption. In many cases, studies indicate identified suitable locations for solar installations, underscoring a trend toward distributed generation. Agencies such as EFE, CDTI, Correos, Sepides, Mercasa, and the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela are noted in industry reporting as being involved in or evaluating these measures. The move toward on-site solar aligns with the growing emphasis on energy security, price stability, and reduced exposure to volatile energy markets. These efforts reflect a broader shift in which both public and private organizations seek practical solutions to manage consumption and costs more effectively.
Overall, the extensive plan and individual company commitments illustrate a coordinated effort to curb energy use while maintaining performance and reliability. The collaboration between the government, state-backed entities, and private corporations highlights the practical path toward a more sustainable energy landscape in Spain. The emphasis on measurable targets, transparent reporting, and phased implementation provides a clear roadmap for ongoing improvements and future investments in efficiency, renewables, and smarter energy management. Attribution for the actions and statements comes from official government communications and industry reporting, including coverage by the EFE news agency and related industry sources. — Fuente: EFE and ministry announcements