The Spanish government has approved a plan that aims to reduce the country’s gas consumption by between 5.1% and 13.5%. It comprises 73 measures, including aid and tax breaks on renewable energy as well as subsidised loans for small businesses investing in energy efficiency. Spain’s gas consumption increased by 6% in 2021 to 34 bcm. The power sector accounted for 37% of gas consumption in 2021, followed by industry (31%) and buildings (20%). Spain imported 37 bcm of natural gas in 2021, mostly from Algeria (43%).
France has also unveiled its energy saving plan. The country aims to reduce energy consumption by 10% by 2024. The plan, which has no binding measures, includes 15 key recommendations, ranging from reducing heating to a maximum of 19°C in offices to encouraging people to carpool. Final energy consumption rebounded by 10% in 2021 to 151 Mtoe. Buildings represented 43% of France’s final energy consumption in 2021, followed by transport (29%) and industry (19%).