Today, the energy transition is fundamental, highlighting the importance of opting for renewable energies and energy efficiency to combat climate change. 

In the European context, this movement is essential not only for environmental sustainability, but also for the competitiveness of companies. The European Union (EU) has set ambitious targets for reducing emissions and increasing the share of renewable energies, directly influencing the national policies of each country.

The growing pressure to reduce carbon footprint and operating costs is driving many organizations to explore cleaner and more efficient energy alternatives.However, the transition to renewable energy can be complex and challenging.

If you've ever wondered whether your company could opt for 100% green energy, in this article you'll learn about its benefits and the strategies for an effective energy transition.

100% Green Energy in Your Business: How to Integrate Successfully

Find out the top tips for integrating renewable energies into your operations, from carrying out a feasibility assessment to choosing the right technologies.

1. Make a Feasibility Assessment

• Objective: To determine which renewable energy sources are best suited to your context.

• Tips:

• Hire an energy consultant or specialized company to assess your energy needs.

• Consider factors such as geographical location, availability of resources (sun, wind, water) and the company's energy consumption profile.

• Identify possible technical, legal or financial barriers to implementation.

2. Set Clear Objectives and Goals

• Objective: To have a concrete objective and motivation for the energy transition.

• Tips:

• Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) targets for implementation.

• Integrate these objectives into strategic planning to ensure organizational alignment.

• Communicate these goals to all stakeholders (such as customers, employees, suppliers and investors).

3. Choosing the right technologies

• Objective: To select technologies that align with the company's needs and capabilities.

• Tips:

• Evaluate different options, such as solar panels, wind turbines, biomass systems or heat pumps.

• Consider integrating hybrid technologies to maximize efficiency (e.g. solar and wind).

• Analyze the long-term cost-benefit of each technology, including maintenance and useful life.

4. Using Renewable Energy

• Objective: Maximize the use of renewable energies in all the company's operations (Production and Facilities).

• Tips:

• Install solar panels or wind turbines on the premises to generate energy on site.

• Implement efficient heating and cooling systems, such as geothermal heat pumps.

• Use renewable energy for production processes whenever possible.

5. Invest in Training and Awareness

• Objective: To ensure that all employees are informed and committed to the energy transition.

• Tips:

• Promote training on the importance and benefits of renewable energies.

• Create an organizational culture that values sustainability and energy efficiency.

• Involving employees in good energy efficiency practices.

6. Explore Partnerships and Collaborations

• Objective: To take advantage of synergies and economies of scale in the implementation of renewable energy projects.

• Tips:

• Establish partnerships with other companies for joint projects.

• Participate in consortia or business networks.

• Seek joint financing or sharing of resources to reduce costs.

7. Taking advantage of tax incentives and subsidies

• Objective: Minimize initial investment and maximize return.

• Tips:

• Research and apply for tax incentives, subsidies and government support programs.

• Consult local regulators to find out what funding opportunities are available.

8. Monitoring and Evaluating Energy Performance

• Objective: To ensure that renewable energy systems work effectively and efficiently.

• Tips:

• Implement monitoring systems to assess energy performance in real time.

• Carry out periodic energy audits to identify areas for improvement.

• Adjust strategies and operations based on performance data and feedback.

9. Communicating Results and Benefits

• Objective: To promote the company's sustainable image and involve all stakeholders.

• Tips:

• Publicly disclose renewable energy initiatives and their results in sustainability reports.

• Share success stories and case studies.

• Involve customers and investors in sustainable initiatives to strengthen the brand's reputation.

Step One: Decrease Energy Consumption Before Adopting Renewables

Companies are one of the sectors that contribute most to energy consumption, namely industry and transport, so before integrating renewable energies, you should take action on your organization's energy efficiency.

By eliminating waste and improving the efficiency of current systems, you will be laying a solid foundation for the incorporation of clean energies.

What Practical Measures Should I Take to Reduce Energy Consumption?

Periodic energy audits: 

• provide a diagnosis of energy consumption

• identify areas of waste and opportunities for improvement

• recommend actions to optimize energy use

• Implementation of Energy Management Systems: 

• help establish policies, processes and objectives to continuously improve energy efficiency.

Investment in Efficient Technologies: 

• replacing obsolete equipment with modern, efficient technologies (installation of LED lighting, high-efficiency motors, advanced climate control systems and low-consumption production equipment).

Automation and Intelligent Control: 

• option for systems to monitor and manage energy use in real time (sensors, control devices and energy management software)

• help to automatically adjust energy consumption based on operational needs.

Preventive Maintenance:

• implement preventive maintenance programs to ensure that all equipment works efficiently. 

• regular maintenance prevents premature wear and keeps operating systems at peak performance.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• collection of energy consumption data and regular reports on energy performance.

• makes it possible to identify trends, assess the impact of the measures implemented and adjust strategies.

Know the Context: How the EU is Leading the Way in Promoting Renewable Energy

Now, with the essential tips for implementing renewable energies in hand and having understood why reducing consumption is a fundamental preparatory step, take a look at how the EU is driving significant changes in this area.  

In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while maintaining economic competitiveness, the EU has set ambitious targets to be met by 2030. (European Energy and Climate Strategy 2030):

• Reduce the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 55% (compared to 1990).

• The Renewable Energy Directive was revised in 2023 in order to speed up the energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels (mainly from Russia). The share of renewable energies was increased to a minimum of 42.5%, but with a view to 45% (compared to 40% in 2021);

• Reduction in final energy consumption by at least 11.7% compared to previous projections;

• Special attention is paid to improving the energy performance of buildings, as they account for 40% of final energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe.

The case of Portugal: Analysis and Goals 

In Portugal, the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC) 2021-2030 is the centerpiece of this strategy.

It sets targets for the incorporation of renewables into the energy mix - the combination of different renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind and hydro) and non-renewable sources (such as coal, natural gas and oil) - in order to improve energy efficiency. 

The Energy in Figures 2024 report, produced by DGEG (Directorate General for Energy and Geology) and ADENE - Agency for Energy¹, positions Portugal in relation to the objectives set by the EU.

_{Source: DGEG, Eurostat2}

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In 2022, Portugal incorporated 34.7% of renewable energy into gross final energy consumption (GFCE)³. It exceeded the target for 2024, i.e. 0.7 p.p. above the target it set itself (34%). Currently, the target set for 2030 is 49% renewables in final energy consumption.

Portugal is well positioned to advance in its energy sustainability objective, with robust policies. It promises to achieve the objectives set, consolidating the country's position in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energy in the EU.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

Reducing costs in the long term, guaranteeing energy stability, improving competitiveness and reputation, complying with regulations and contributing to a sustainable future - these are all reasons that fully justify the adoption of renewable energies by companies.

By starting with energy efficiency measures, companies lay a solid foundation for successfully integrating clean technologies. With advances in EU regulation, large corporations are leading the way and SMEs are following suit. 

Government incentives and examples of success are helping to overcome the challenges, driving a change in the corporate energy mix. This transition is essential to achieving sustainability goals and ensuring a greener, more efficient energy future.

For companies, opting for 100% green energy and promoting energy efficiency is not only an environmental responsibility, but also a strategic opportunity.

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Next steps for your business

At Nextbitt we have already supported more than 70 companies in their transition to a greener future by adopting sustainable energy practices. Schedule a meeting and find out how we can help yours too!

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^{[1] Energy in Figures - 2024 edition https://www.dgeg.gov.pt/media/e1eb3n0l/dgeg-aen-2024e.pdf}

^{[2] Energy in Figures - 2024 edition https://www.dgeg.gov.pt/media/e1eb3n0l/dgeg-aen-2024e.pdf}

^{[3] It is currently one of the most sought-after indicators, since it is used to calculate the share of energy from renewable sources.}

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