The Spanish CAE program explained from A to Z

What is the CAE program?

The Energy Savings Certificates (CAE) scheme is the mechanism by which the Spanish State requires large energy companies to fund energy efficiency works in private homes. Instead of paying a fine to the Treasury, these companies can meet their annual savings quotas by directly financing renovations.

The system was created in 2014 and significantly reformed by Royal Decree 36/2023. For the homeowner, the outcome is straightforward: insulation works from €1, with no upfront payment, managed by intermediary operators such as Capital Talent Invest.

Legal framework: Royal Decree 36/2023

The program is regulated by Royal Decree 36/2023, of 24 January, published in the Spanish Official Gazette. This text:

• Establishes the national energy efficiency obligations system.
• Defines the obliged parties (large energy companies).
• Sets annual savings quotas in GWh.
• Designates IDAE as the managing body, under the authority of the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition.

Comparison with the French system

The Spanish program is directly inspired by the French Energy Savings Certificates system created in 2005, particularly known for the "Coup de Pouce" scheme that enabled €1 insulation between 2017 and 2021.

Aspect	Spain	France
Creation	2014 (Law 18/2014)	2005 (POPE Law)
Managing body	IDAE	PNCEE / ADEME
€1 insulation	Available today	Ended 2021 (replaced by MaPrimeRénov')
Current framework	RD 36/2023	5th period 2022-2025

Spain is now experiencing what France did between 2017 and 2021: a massive deployment of subsidised insulation.

Who funds the program?

Funds come exclusively from the large obliged energy companies: Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, Repsol, TotalEnergies, Cepsa, BP, Galp, Shell. No cost to the public taxpayer. Each completed operation generates accumulated kWh savings that the company can count toward its annual quota.

Eligible works

• Attic / roof insulation (blown, sprayed, or panel) — the most common.
• Facade insulation (external thermal insulation system).
• Window replacement (low-emissivity double glazing).
• Boiler replacement with aerothermal heat pump.
• Programmable thermostat installation.

The process in 7 steps

1. Initial contact via form or email.
2. Pre-eligibility confirmed within 24h.
3. Free technical visit at your home.
4. Sign the standard CAE document regulated by IDAE.
5. Validation with the energy company (1-2 weeks).
6. Installation in a single day (3-6 hours).
7. Official certificate delivered, improving your home's energy rating.