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Get in touch with usEnergy Efficiency Certificates (EECs)
Energy Efficiency Certificates also known as White Certificates are issued to entities that implement eligible energy-saving projects. Each certificate testifies to one unit of energy saved, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or tonnes of oil equivalent (toe). These certificates are tradable and serve as proof of compliance with national energy efficiency obligations.
Energy supply companies such as utilities and fuel distributors are designated as obligated parties. Depending on the scale of their commercial activity, they are required to achieve a specific amount of energy savings or obtain a specified number of Energy Efficiency Certificates each year. These certificates can either be generated through their own efficiency projects or purchased on the secondary market, establishing a compliance-driven trading system that supports flexible and cost-effective delivery of energy savings.
Countries that have adopted this market-based model include:
- France (CEE; Certificats d’Economies d’Energie)
- Italy (TEE; Titoli di Efficienza Energetica)
- Poland
- Spain (CAE; Certificados de Ahorro Energético)
Focus on Spain: Certificados de Ahorro Energético (CAE's)
Following the 2023 revision of the EU EED, Spain introduced its national energy efficiency framework, coordinated by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition(MITECO). The system is based on Certificados de Ahorro Energético (CAEs) and sets binding energy reduction targets for obligated energy companies.
What is a CAE?
ACAE is an electronic certificate that confirms the saving of 1 kWh of final energy from a verified energy efficiency project. For example, a project that saves 400 kWh per year will generate 400 CAEs. CAEs are a flexible tool designed to help obligated parties meet their targets. These companies can meet their obligation in two ways:
- By making a financial contribution to the National Energy Efficiency Fund (FNEE) for a set fee.
- By submitting CAEs, either from projects they develop themselves or by purchasing them on the market - which can guarantee a significant financial benefit.
How are CAEs used and who benefits?
The CAE system allows energy savings to be monetised, recovering part of the investment cost in efficiency projects (e.g., new lighting, thermal insulation, modern equipment). The end-user can receive compensation by selling the savings generated by their project.
At the same time, obligated parties can satisfy their obligation by surrendering CAEs instead of paying the higher equivalent fee to the National Fund, thereby optimising their compliance costs.
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Benefits of the CAE System
The CAE system offers significant advantages for all market participants:
Improved ROI:
Enhances the return on investment in energy efficiency projects.
Cost & Environmental Savings:
Reduces final energy consumption, leading to financial and environmental benefits.
Energy Security:
Contributes to greater energy security and provides a competitive advantage.
Efficient Compliance:
Serves as a flexible and cost-effective tool for meeting regulatory obligations.
How AFS Energy Can Help You
We offer end-to-end support for all participants in the Spanish CAE system:
For All Participants:
- Full-Cycle Assistance: We guide you through every step - from project planning to certification and trading.
- Regulatory Insight: We keep you up to date with evolving legislation and compliance obligations.
- Administrative Support: Navigate verification procedures and documentation with confidence.
- Market Access: Connect with our extensive network of reliable project developers, obligated entities, and other market participants.
For Project Owners & Installers:
- Monetise your energy savings by matching you with counterparties ready to acquire them.
- Evaluate project eligibility and identify the full savings potential of your initiatives.
For Obligated Entities:
- Source CAEs on both the primary (projects) and secondary (certificates) markets.
- Explore developing your own efficiency projects with our technical and regulatory expertise.
- Identify the most cost-effective savings opportunities to meet your annual compliance targets.
Contact Us
Contact usAFS Energy, we provide corporate clients with comprehensive support in navigating the energy market, focusing on sustainable and decarbonised solutions.
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