Energy is one of the pillars of business competitiveness. Its availability, cost, and management directly influence the profitability of small and medium-sized enterprises. In times of ecological transition, the challenge is not only to reduce costs but also to commit to more sustainable models that strengthen environmental commitment and energy independence.
More and more Galician companies are taking the step towards smarter energy consumption, exploring renewable sources that, in addition to caring for the environment, allow them to improve efficiency and open new business opportunities. Below we detail each of them:
Solar photovoltaic energy: self-consumption that is already a reality
Installing solar panels on a roof or industrial facility has become one of the most popular options. It allows generating part of the energy consumed daily, reducing dependence on the electrical grid and even selling surplus energy for economic compensation.
It is an increasingly common solution among companies in sectors such as agri-food, retail, or logistics, where electricity consumption is constant. In Galicia, many SMEs already incorporate self-consumption systems that allow them to save and gain stability against electricity price fluctuations.
Biomass and biogas: leveraging territorial resources
Biomass and biogas are renewable sources particularly interesting for the Galician business fabric, especially in rural areas or in sectors with forestry, livestock, or agro-industrial activity.
Their operation is based on using wood residues, bark, or agricultural waste as fuel to produce heat, steam, or electricity. Additionally, biomethane, a renewable gas generated from organic waste, is gaining prominence.
Cogeneration: maximum energy performance
Cogeneration allows the simultaneous production of heat and electricity from the same process. In other words, resources are optimized to obtain two services at the price of one.
This technology is especially useful in companies with intensive thermal processes, such as food, paper, or chemical industries, and already has wide implementation in Galicia, with nearly one hundred installations in operation, according to the Galician Energy Institute (Inega).
Wind energy and mini-wind, when the wind works in your favor
Companies located in windy areas or with available space can benefit from wind energy. Small-scale wind systems allow complementing other generation sources, such as solar, and creating an energy mix adapted to business needs.
Coordinated with local consumption, this option allows reducing external dependence and ensuring a more stable supply, especially in isolated or industrial facilities.
Geothermal and renewable thermal energy
Geothermal energy, which harnesses energy accumulated in the subsoil, is an efficient alternative for heating, cooling, and even for certain industrial processes. In Galicia, this technology is also beginning to be implemented in companies in the service and hospitality sectors, thanks to its low operating cost and year-round stability.
Local energy networks and energy communities: joining forces to save
Another growing option is energy communities, in which several companies or neighbors share self-consumption facilities. This model, recognized by European and Spanish legislation, allows reducing costs, making better use of resources, and promoting local cooperation.
For Galician industrial estates, these local energy networks can be a key tool for advancing towards energy independence and sustainable competitiveness.
Tools to take the step
Before starting any project, it is essential to conduct an energy audit that identifies waste points, inefficient machinery, or improvement opportunities. This diagnosis helps to correctly size the installations and define the necessary investment.
Once the solutions are implemented, it is advisable to monitor consumption in real time through sensors and management software, and involve staff with training and awareness actions. The energy culture within the company is as important as the installed technology.
From the Economic Office of Galicia, we can guide you step by step with your first steps. Request your free consultation and start your company’s transformation now.
