Energy Policy 3E2030

Objectives of the Basque Energy Strategy 3E2030

The Energy Strategy of the Basque Country 2030 (3E2030) defines the objectives and basic lines of action for the Basque Government in terms of its energy policy for the period 2016-2030. This strategy is part of a longer term vision which envisages an increasingly sustainable energy system in terms of competitiveness, security of supply and low carbon dependency.

The objectives set for 2030 are:

1. Achieve primary energy savings of 1,250,000 toe per year between 2016 and 2030, equivalent to a saving of 17% in 2030. This would mean improving the energy intensity by 33% over the period.
2. Increase the use of renewable energy by 126% to achieve a utilisation of 966,000 toe by 2030, which would mean achieving a 21% share of final consumption for renewable energy.
3. Promote an exemplary commitment by the Basque public administration that allows a reduction in the energy consumption in its facilities by 25% in 10 years, with the installation of facilities utilising renewable energy in 25% of its buildings and also the incorporation of alternative vehicles in the vehicle pool and public services fleets.
4. Achieve a 25% share for alternative energy use in road transport, contributing to the progressive breaking of the dependence on oil and the use of more sustainable vehicles.
5. Increase the contribution of cogeneration and renewable energy for power generation so that this rises from 20% in 2015 to 40% in 2030.
6. Improve the competitiveness of the network of companies, technology centres and Basque scientific agents, promoting 9 priority areas for research, technological and industrial development in the energy field, in line with the RIS3 strategy for smart specialisation in the Basque Country.
7. Contribute to the mitigation of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3 Mt per year through energy measures, representing a reduction of 35% of energy-related GHG emissions relative to 2005.

Commitment time frame

The time frame for achieving the strategic and operational objectives that have been set is 15 years, but intermediate commitments for periods of 5 and 10 years have also established. Most of the actions proposed in the strategy will be implemented over the entire specified period.

The aim is to improve competitiveness in terms of energy costs and promote the progressive sustainability of energy consumption. The objective is to contribute to improving industry and to reducing its environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and promoting the use of more sustainable energy. Support for the implementation of complementary systems/equipment for the thermal use of renewable energy (solar thermal, geoexchange, biomass) is a line of action directed at maximising the use of renewable energy within industry, reducing its energy dependence and the overall energy costs, and reducing CO₂ emissions..

The objective is to reduce dependence on oil, and the basic strategy is to promote the use of alternative vehicles and the installation of the necessary recharging facilities. This commitment to replacing this fuel with other alternative energy sources also contributes to improving air quality and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. The actions include promoting sustainable mobility and the use of more efficient modes of transport, encouraging the use of public transport, the use of more efficient vehicles and the rational utilisation of these, as well as promoting the use of alternative fuels and technologies.

Progress must be made in the reduction of energy consumption, as well as increasing the incorporation of new installations utilising renewable energy for thermal and electrical self-consumption. These activities must be carried out both in homes and in the services sector, reducing the consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy in buildings and homes by promoting energy improvements in both, as well as training and awareness-raising activity regarding efficiency and energy management in buildings.