Spain Allocates €155 Million for Upgrading Municipal Lighting

The Spanish government has unveiled a second funding round totaling €155 million aimed at enhancing municipal lighting across the country. Approved by the Council of Ministers and managed by the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) under the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Miteco), the initiative seeks to support town councils, provincial authorities, and local organizations in modernizing their public lighting systems.

Building on last summer’s first call, which distributed €100 million to over 40 municipalities with top projects in Zaragoza, Salamanca, Lleida, and Baena, the new funds are expected to deliver significant energy savings—up to 70%—translating to approximately 67,000 MWh annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by 18,600 tons each year. Additionally, the program aims to mitigate light pollution through the adoption of LED technology and centralized remote management systems, allowing for adjustable lighting based on time and road type.

The grants are structured as interest-free loans repayable over ten years, with investments typically recovering costs within six to seven years through reduced electricity bills. Eligible projects must involve a minimum investment of €300,000 and can receive up to €10 million. Applications for the second round will be open from January 27 to March 20, 2025, with the selection process focusing on competitive bidding to ensure the most effective implementations.

This initiative is part of Spain’s broader National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) and the More Energy Security Plan (Plan +SE), reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.

For more information, interested parties can visit the IDAE website or contact the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.