Rethink energy to move to action with electrification
The European Sustainable Energy Week floods Catalonia with activities to raise awareness among citizens and all sectors of society of the need for the potential of electrification. The campaign urges to reduce energy consumption through renewables
Workshops, recreational activities, in-person exhibitions, and digital resources on self-consumption with solar panels, energetic rehabilitation of buildings, energy certification, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, and many other related topics flood the months of June and July during the European Sustainable Energy Week in different municipalities of Catalonia. The campaign, an initiative of the European Commission with the objective of promoting energy efficiency and renewable energies in the European Union, opens a period of reflection to rethink our relationship with energy. Conferences, workshops, visits to facilities, competitions, and all kinds of activities are organized throughout Europe and are open to the general public, and are also aimed at energy sector professionals, authorities, companies, and NGOs, among others.
Under the slogan “Take action, let's change energy,” the campaign is coordinated in Catalonia by the Catalan Energy Institute, with the collaboration of the provincial councils, the Network of Cities and Towns towards Sustainability, the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona, and the Council of Local Initiatives for the Environment (CILMA), as well as the Regional Offices for Energy Transition.
Towards electrification
The purpose of the action is to empower citizens and educate in all areas of Catalan society — homes, industry, mobility, and services — on the need to move towards electrification. According to the Catalan Energy Balance 2023, the electrification rate in the domestic sector is currently 42.9%. The Catalan Energy Prospect 2050, the document guiding the energy transition towards climate neutrality of the energy system, estimates that industry could electrify 84% of its energy consumption, while transport - by road, air, rail, and sea - could reach 62.6% electrification of its consumption.
Electrification is becoming one of the main tools for leveraging Catalonia's zero-kilometer renewable generation potential and reducing external energy dependence. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable electricity and, at the same time, increasing the energy efficiency of the entire system is becoming an unrenounceable objective.
At home
In the domestic sphere, the campaign emphasizes the need to reduce energy consumption and improve its efficiency through energy renovation and the electrification of main energy uses. Insulating the facade and installing a heat pump to efficiently heat and cool the house, adjusting the contracted power, installing solar panels, or changing a combustion car for an electric one are some of the actions people can take to reduce energy consumption, pay less at the end of the month, and contribute to the fight against climate change.
This technology, increasingly accessible, is much more efficient than conventional alternatives based on fossil fuels and allows for better use of electricity of renewable origin.
Electric mobility
Regarding mobility, the campaign invites us to rethink the way we move and advocates for electric mobility as a cleaner, more efficient, and economical alternative to combustion vehicles.
The advantages are diverse: with a charging point in the parking lot and taking advantage of charging during hours with reduced prices, electricity can be consumed during the most economical hours and with greater availability of renewable energy. Furthermore, maintenance costs are lower and savings on energy expenditure can reach around 80% compared to conventional fuel.
Switching to a fleet of electric vehicles is also a very interesting option for companies that have charging infrastructure, as it can represent significant savings and improve their competitiveness.
The ICAEN provides citizens with an online calculator that allows comparing CO₂ emissions and costs between different vehicle options. Information on charging points and tax advantages is also offered.
Energy communities
Finally, in the matter of renewables, one of the central axes is the dissemination and promotion of energy communities. It is a collective formula for producing, sharing, and consuming local renewable energy.
One of the most common formulas is to share the energy generated by photovoltaic installations located in public or private facilities. This renewable energy can power homes electrified with aerothermal systems, electric vehicles, or other efficient uses, and facilitate a more self-sufficient and sustainable energy model.
Through the portal comunitatenergetica.cat you can find out about active initiatives looking for partners, legal and technical resources, and steps to launch a local community.
