Idae
The Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), under the Secretariat of State for Energy of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), has been contributing for 40 years to driving the energy transition on the international scene, promoting sustainable, secure, and socially just energy. Its work has enabled progress in fulfilling climate commitments, combining ecological protection with the creation of socio-economic opportunities across all regions and communities.
IDAE’s external action focuses on two strategic objectives: cooperation with the European Union to align national policies with EU guidelines and strategies and to promote Spanish participation in projects and networks of interest; as well as technological and institutional cooperation at the international level, aimed at consolidating Spain’s involvement in key forums and organisations for the energy transition, strengthening relations with other countries, and forging links with global institutions.
Through both avenues of cooperation, IDAE serves as a bridge connecting Spain with key energy stakeholders on the global stage, enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of Spanish entities in international projects and markets, attracting investments, and promoting innovative solutions to global challenges such as energy security, climate change mitigation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
European Cooperation
IDAE plays a significant role in European energy cooperation, representing Spain in several committees, working groups, and strategic initiatives of the European Union.
In particular, the Institute plays the relevant role of committee representative and National Contact Point in both the LIFE Clean Energy Transition (CET) Programme and the Cluster 5 (climate, energy, and mobility) of the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, both funded by the European Commission. IDAE actively promotes the participation of Spanish entities in these two flagship programmes, which have supported the development of renewable energy, renewable hydrogen, energy efficiency, as well as the development of sustainable energy markets, thereby reinforcing Spain’s leadership in research, innovation, and sustainability in the context of the energy transition.
Within the framework of these programmes, several high-impact projects are being implemented with IDAE’s participation. These include the Concerted Actions supporting the implementation of European directives on energy performance in buildings, energy efficiency, and renewables (CA-EPBD, CA-EED, CA-RES), as well as other noteworthy initiatives such as ODYSSEE-MURE (funded by LIFE CET Programme), which focuses on monitoring energy consumption and efficiency, and assessing related policy measures.
IDAE also serves as an Intermediate Body for the management of the Pluri-regional Programme Spain ERDF 2021-2027 within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and as Managing Authority for the funds of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), under the European Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), linked to NextGenerationEU.
In this context, IDAE also takes part in the European Energy and Managing Authorities Network (EMA), which is dedicated to promoting projects and infrastructures in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Moreover, IDAE is an active member of the European Energy Network (EnR), which fosters collaboration among European countries to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and eco-design. EnR facilitates the exchange of best practices, technical studies, and joint projects, reinforcing innovation and Europe’s leadership in the energy transition.
International Cooperation
IDAE’s work on the international energy stage encompasses, on the one hand, participation in high-level forums and organisations of significant interest, and on the other, technological and institutional cooperation, along with bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries and stakeholders in the global energy transition.
Participation in International Forums and Organisations
IDAE plays a key role in representing Spain in the leading international forums and networks dedicated to the energy transition, such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), among others.
Regarding the International Energy Agency (IEA), IDAE participates in various strategic working groups, notably the Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Advanced Motor Fuels (AMF), as well as the Working Parties on Energy Efficiency (EEWP), End-Use Technologies (EUWP), Renewables (REWP), R&D Priorities (EGRD), and Energy Statistics (ESDG). IDAE also supports the participation of other Spanish entities in additional initiatives, such as the IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems TCP (IEA PVPS TCP). Moreover, IDAE contributes its expertise to key publications and high-level global events, including the Global Conference on Energy Efficiency.
Furthermore, IDAE, together with MITECO, represents Spain within the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), participating in both its Council and Assembly. It also takes part in technical groups such as the Regional Energy Transition Outlook (RETO) and the Long-Term Energy Scenarios Network (LTES), which focus on energy scenario planning, as well as in Collaborative Frameworks (CFs) across a range of technologies, including offshore renewables, renewable hydrogen, and hydropower. Particularly noteworthy is IDAE’s co-chairing of the CF on a Just and Inclusive Transition, alongside the Institute for Just Transition (ITJ). In addition, IDAE supports MITECO’s involvement in global alliances led by IRENA, such as the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) and the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA), promoting knowledge transfer, capacity building, and the improvement of regulatory frameworks to attract investment in renewable energy worldwide.
Another key forum in which IDAE is involved is REN21, which plays a key role in policy development and the dissemination of knowledge on renewable energy. Its work includes the production of influential reports and the organisation of international events, including the SPIREC 2023 conference, held in Madrid.
In addition, IDAE actively engages in global forums and alliances such as the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) and also supports MITECO in other international initiatives of strategic interest.
Technological and Institutional Cooperation in Global Markets
IDAE aligns with the Spanish Cooperation Master Plan 2024–2027,thereby prioritising its external action in regions of strategic importance to Spain, such as the Mediterranean, Latin America, and Africa, while also extending its efforts globally to ensure that the inclusive and sustainable energy transition reaches all corners of the world.
In the Mediterranean, IDAE stands out for its involvement in the Mediterranean Association of National Energy Agencies (MEDENER), which brings together twelve agencies from across the region to address shared challenges and promote energy security, sustainability, and efficiency on both shores of the Mare Nostrum. Among its flagship projects is MEETMED, funded by the European Commission (DG NEAR), which has already completed two phases and is set to launch a third initiative, with an even more ambitious scope. IDAE also collaborates with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) on initiatives of high strategic value for Spain, aimed at fostering energy integration and sustainable development across the region.
In Ibero-America, IDAE has forged a robust partnership with the Latin American Energy Organisation (OLADE), as well as with numerous strategic bilateral relations with various countries across the region.
Likewise, in Africa, IDAE works with MEDENER, the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and other institutions to consolidate and expand bilateral relationships that promote the development of sustainable and equitable energy solutions supporting inclusion and regional progress.
Additionally, IDAE is deeply engaged in fostering international relations, technological and institutional cooperation across regions worldwide. This is carried out in close collaboration with other Spanish institutions, such as the OFECOMES (Economic and Commercial Offices Abroad), embassies, ICEX, FIAP, among others, with the aim of maximising impact and ensuring an efficient use of resources. Within this framework, IDAE frequently welcomes international delegations interested in learning about Spain’s progress in the energy transition.
This work strengthens Spain’s ties with other countries and international stakeholders through trade missions, participation in strategic projects with positive social impact, and efforts to boost the internationalisation, competitiveness, and integration of Spanish entities into global value chains.
Ultimately, IDAE’s international activities contribute to reinforcing Spain’s leadership in the global energy transition, towards a more sustainable, secure, inclusive, and opportunity-generating future for all.
For more information, you may contact the International Department:dptointernaci@idae.es
