CAEs MITECO vs. FNEE: how to fulfill your energy obligation

Find out if your company must contribute to the FNEE or generate MITECO CAEs. Calculate your carbon footprint and access energy subsidies.

Companies with high energy consumption in Spain must comply with an annual savings obligation, regulated by the MITECO CAE regulations. This requirement can be met in two ways: through a financial contribution to the National Energy Efficiency Fund (FNEE) or through Energy Saving Certificates (CAEs), a tool recognized by the Ministry for Ecological

Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO).

MITECO CAEs allow energy savings to be justified through specific projects, offering flexibility, economic return, and positioning in sustainability. This alternative is aligned with the objectives of environmental quality, carbon footprint, and climate change defined by the Spanish government.

What is a CAE and what is it for?

The CAES energy saving certificate, also known as a certified CAE, certifies a specific amount of energy savings achieved through efficiency measures. This document is validated and issued by MITECO, following a technical verification based on the MITECO CAES files.

For companies, CAEs represent a strategic way to:

- Comply with energy obligations without contributing directly to the FNEE

- Access MITECO aid and subsidies

- Improve their reputation in corporate social responsibility (CSR)

- Integrate efficiency as a business asset

Comparison: MITECO CAEs vs. contribution to the FNEE

Below is a comparison between the two options:

Economic cost

FNEE: Fixed contribution, no economic return

CAEs: Variable cost, possibility of optimizing savings or acquiring certificates at a good price

Flexibility

FNEE: Mandatory payment

CAEs: Choice between generating or purchasing certificates

Active participation

FNEE: Passive compliance

CAEs: Direct involvement in energy efficiency projects

Reputation and sustainability

FNEE: Limited image

CAEs: Reinforcement of corporate sustainability and environmental commitment

Return on investment (ROI)

FNEE: No return

CAEs: Possibility of energy and economic savings

Technical requirements

FNEE: No verification required

CAEs: Technical validation and rigorous documentation

Deadlines

FNEE: Annual contributions

CAEs: Depend on project execution and validation

Long-term assets

FNEE: Does not generate assets

CAEs: Strategic potential if efficiency is internalized

How is a CAE calculated?

The process for obtaining a MITECO CAES certificate includes:

1. Selection of an effective energy saving measure (e.g., insulation, machinery renovation)

2. Technical development in accordance with official MITECO methodologies

3. Validation by an accredited verifier

4. Official application including the CAES form and complete documentation

To facilitate this process, MITECO offers tools such as the MITECO carbon footprint calculator, which allows you to estimate the impact of each action. You can also calculate your MITECO carbon footprint and officially register in the corresponding registry.

CAES subsidies in the Community of Madrid

In regions such as the Community of Madrid, there are specific CAES subsidies that allow companies to access the industrial CAE market. This option facilitates compliance with energy obligations without the need to directly execute a project, which is especially useful for companies with limited technical resources.

These MITECO grants and subsidies are aligned with the MITECO 2024 emission factors and MITECO environmental assessment criteria, reinforcing the national climate strategy.

What is best for your company?

If your company does not have the technical capacity, contributing to the FNEE can quickly close the file. However, if there is a possibility of generating or acquiring CAEs, these certificates offer advantages such as:

- Greater control over compliance

- Economic return

- Improved corporate image

- Active contribution to air quality and ecological transition

By integrating sustainability CAEs into their corporate strategy, companies not only fulfill their energy obligations, but also become active agents of climate change.

Want to know if your company can generate MITECO CAEs? Consult the MITECO carbon footprint guide, access the official calculator, and apply for the MITECO grants available. Optimize your energy efficiency and lead the way in corporate sustainability!