Iberdrola España and Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias Castilla-La Mancha bet on decarbonisation and sustainability of the region's agri-food sector
- A day in Tomelloso that highlighted the need for electrification to ensure the competitiveness of rural areas
- ATuAire, Iberdrola España’s subsidiary, presented the benefits of heat electrification in business models from Castilla-La Mancha, saving up to 40%
Iberdrola España participated today in Tomelloso in a day organised by Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias Castilla-La Mancha, held at the facilities of the Regional Institute of Agri-food and Forestry Research and Development of Castilla-La Mancha (IRIAF) in Tomelloso. The event, titled Efficient and Competitive Solutions for Decarbonisation, was aimed at technical and managerial staff from the associated cooperatives.
The opening ceremony was attended by the President of Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias Castilla-La Mancha, Ángel Villafranca; the Director General of the organisation, Juan Miguel del Real; and Iberdrola España’s delegate in Castilla-La Mancha, Óscar Narros.
The goal of the day was to learn from experts and leaders of various Iberdrola España departments and its subsidiary ATuAire about sustainable energy solutions that promote and encourage the adoption of measures aimed at saving resources, reducing emissions, and improving energy efficiency in agri-food cooperatives and industries. In this context, the need for electrification to enhance competitiveness in rural areas was emphasised.
Throughout the session, attended by around fifty professionals from the cooperative sector in Castilla-La Mancha, topics such as Energy Saving Certificates (CAEs), investments in energy communities, electric vehicle charging points, and heat pumps for buildings were discussed.
Towards a more sustainable cooperative model
The President of Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias Castilla-La Mancha, Ángel Villafranca, highlighted Iberdrola España's collaboration to advance towards a more sustainable cooperative model. He added that the aim is to achieve a transition to modern cooperativism that integrates clean energy while maintaining the competitiveness of the production process.
At the same time, Villafranca pointed out that with this event, Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias Castilla-La Mancha aims to raise awareness of the importance of adopting sustainable practices to “remain at the forefront of innovation”.
Óscar Narros emphasised “the significant role of cooperativism in our region, with more than 450 agri-food cooperatives and over 160,000 members, representing a key pillar in the economic and social development of Castilla-La Mancha and its commitment to rural areas and the environment”. In this regard, he highlighted that “the collaboration between Iberdrola España and the cooperative movement opens a new stage of opportunities, where energy innovation and sustainability are at the service of rural areas”.
Energy Saving Certificates (CAEs)
Among the topics discussed, Energy Saving Certificates (CAEs) were addressed. According to Iberdrola España's Head of CAE Product Management, Marina Maestro, they are an effective tool for reducing energy efficiency investment costs in agri-food cooperatives. Iberdrola España explained how they are managed comprehensively, allowing businesses and cooperatives to recover all or part of the investment cost, and even generate benefits. Projects that can benefit from the CAE system include actions such as boiler replacement, aerothermal installation, or insulation improvements. In other words, each kilowatt-hour saved becomes an economic asset that contributes to financing the energy transition.
ATuAire: Aerothermal-based climate solutions
“Decarbonising does not mean spending more, but spending better. At Iberdrola España, we offer ‘turnkey’ models that integrate technology, financing, and maintenance, preventing the customer from having to make an initial investment,” said Jesús Fernández, Director of Major Accounts at ATuAire. These projects are fully financed, with payments made in instalments, and support from CAE sales and subsidies.
In his speech, Jesús Fernández highlighted the company’s commitment to rural development and the sustainability of the primary sector: “Decarbonising cooperatives and the agri-industrial fabric is key to ensuring their long-term competitiveness.”
Self-consumption solutions in cooperatives: Solar communities
On the other hand, “photovoltaic self-consumption and solar communities represent a real opportunity for the agri-food sector, especially for cooperatives and small industries, generating energy savings and clean energy,” stated the Head of Smart Solar Residential and SMEs Product at Iberdrola, Andrés Carnero.
Sustainable Transport and Mobility
The event also covered electric mobility as an essential driver for decarbonisation, presented by Santiago Blanco, Head of Smart Mobility Products. Iberdrola provided examples of fleet electrification, smart charging points, and partnerships with manufacturers to integrate sustainable logistics.
Success stories in energy rehabilitation of homes
Finally, Isabel Llorente, Head of Residential Climate Products, presented the successful cases developed by Iberdrola in the area of comprehensive energy rehabilitation of homes and residential buildings through efficient climate solutions (aerothermal, insulation, and intelligent control). The results include a 70% reduction in energy consumption and more than 70% in CO₂ emissions, with substantial improvements in thermal comfort. Projects are already underway in Castilla-La Mancha with very positive results for homes and communities of neighbours.
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