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Date Published: 10/05/2022

Spanish government lists energy saving methods to cope with shortages

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Spain recommends using turning off the heating and driving less to reduce energy consumption

Spanish government lists energy saving methods to cope with shortages

Like the rest of Europe, Spain is already thinking ahead to winter and the possible energy crisis that could be looming as a consequence of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Brussels is still working on alternatives to Russian gas supplies, but in the meantime, the Minister of Ecological Transition in Spain, Teresa Ribera, has come up with a number of energy-saving measures which will be approved next week.

Once given the go-ahead, the recommendations will be mandatory at the State Administrative level but for the time being, will remain suggestions for the general population; however, the government’s proposal to lower motorway speed limits from 120kmh to 110 is already causing ructions and the remaining measures are being met with some trepidation.

Driving

With fuel costs still on the rise and diesel even exceeding 2 euros per litre last week in Spain, many motorists are looking for ways to cut down on their driving. In addition to reducing speed limits, which is known to reduce fuel consumption, Minister Ribera is asking citizens to walk or use public transport wherever possible in the coming months, car pool or work from home to cut down on the amount we use our cars.

Heating

Looking ahead to the winter, the government plans to alter schedules in public administrative buildings so that “the heating can be turned off earlier,” a measure that could be transferred to other companies in the future.

In the scenario that Russia cuts off gas supplies, Ms Ribera believes that it is “absolutely essential” that we begin saving energy, since “all analysts” consulted have recommended “reducing our consumption” in order to “have a greater safety margin.”

Aid for more dependent countries

In addition to energy-saving methods in Spain, the European Commission is also working on a proposal for EU countries to help nations more dependent on Russian reserves by releasing national oil or gas supplies next winter.

The minister has pointed out that all of her recommendations are already promoted by the International Energy Agency and that several other European countries are also working “on a large scale” to limit the use of private vehicles.

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