Cádiz Provincial Energy Agency

The Provincial Energy Agency of Cadiz (APEC) is a nonprofit foundation funded by the Provincial Government of Cádiz. It was created in 2006 within the framework of Intelligent Energy for Europe and, since then, has worked in close contact with local public entities and key stakeholders, developing and disseminating sustainable energy management and climate action throughout the province in Southern Spain (45 municipalities, 1.2 million inhabitants). 

The agency’s main goal is to lead the transition to a new and sustainable energy model in its region based on energy efficiency and renewable energy, encourage more responsible energy consumption habits through awareness and dissemination, and promote the fight against climate change. 

APEC participates actively in EnerAgen – the Spanish Association of Energy Agencies, being involved in the elaboration and debate of national policies on energy, as well as specific network projects. The agency is also the Coordinator for the EU Covenant of Mayors in the Province of Cádiz, providing technical and administrative support to the signatory municipalities in the province to develop their Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs). 

Activites 

The agency partakes in a number of activities and services to work towards its mission. These include:  

• Developing legal and technical assessments among municipalities and other stakeholders; 

• Offering assistance with sustainable technologies; 

• Providing good practices or the best financial solution to perform renewable or efficient energy projects; 

• Offering experience in international and national project management (including H2020, Interreg, ERASMUS, etc.); 

• Developing initiative to enact behaviour change through actions such as education, training and increasing awareness among specific target groups on topics dealing with energy sustainability, climate change, etc. 

Projects 

APEC has experience with national and international project management (including H2020, Interreg, ERASMUS, etc). Some of its projects include:  

• Programme For Coastal Management Of The Province Of Cadiz – an initiative for coastal municipalities of the province to integrate climate adaptation into local planning and management of the coast through the formulation and implementation of a provincial programme. 

• Provincial Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change of Cádiz – supporting adaptation action at the provincial level and providing a roadmap for the municipalities of Cadiz when preparing their Climate and Sustainable Energy Action Plans. 

• Metrominutos – maps of times and distances between different points in an urban area that demonstrate how it does not take much effort to move around towns and cities on foot and that, in fact, it is the most natural, suitable, healthy and least polluting means of transport. 

• YESclima – training unemployed young people in the province in energy management through a practical learning program. 

• GreenS – a European initiative that aims to address the barriers faced by the public administration in the application of sustainable public procurement criteria.