Spain proposes €65 million energy-efficiency aid for public universities and research centres

Spain has proposed €65 million in financial assistance for energy-efficiency projects at public universities and research centres under a new programme called Innovae Universidad.

The initiative, put forward by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), is intended to support innovative projects that reduce energy consumption in university buildings and research facilities.

The proposal was discussed at a November 4 meeting between Crue, the association representing Spanish universities, and the ministry. Crue president Julián Garde and vice-president Francisco Oliva met Spain's third deputy prime minister and minister for the ecological transition, Sara Aagesen, to discuss the programme.

Crue welcomed the proposed assistance, saying it could help public universities meet their environmental commitments and address the energy-efficiency needs of their buildings and campuses.

Government opens consultation on funding rules

The government has opened a public consultation on the draft rules governing the grants and the proposed first funding call. The consultation will run from Nov 5 to Nov 25.

The programme will be managed by the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), a public body attached to MITECO. Funding is expected to be awarded through a competitive process.

The initiative forms part of the 2026 action plan of Spain's National Energy Efficiency Fund. Its stated objective is to support innovative projects that reduce final energy consumption and contribute to the country's energy-saving targets for 2021–2030.

The draft framework also aims to make the grant process more accessible to eligible institutions and ensure transparency in the allocation of funding.

Universities seek support for ageing infrastructure

Crue had asked the government in June to include public universities among the beneficiaries of financing for the energy renovation of public buildings, alongside hospitals, health centres, schools and other educational and social facilities.

The association highlighted the scale and variety of university infrastructure, which includes campuses and buildings of different types and ages. It said the proposed programme could help institutions address urgent renovation requirements and bring their facilities in line with current energy-efficiency and sustainability standards.

During the meeting, the minister also indicated the government's intention to maintain the funding call in the future, according to Crue.

However, the programme is still under consultation, and the final rules and first call will determine how institutions can apply for the proposed assistance.