The year 2025 is shaping up to be a decisive year for the energy sector. The need to reduce environmental impact and ensure economic competitiveness remains a global challenge, and energy efficiency is undoubtedly a key tool to achieve this.
There are many data and studies that demonstrate these forecasts. Among them, the latest update of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2025-2030, which has raised energy efficiency targets to 43% by 2030. Undoubtedly, an ambitious goal that sets a clear roadmap for the advancement of the energy system in the coming years.
In addition, the European electricity market is going through a key moment. The recent "Draghi Report", commissioned by the European Commission, has identified strategic measures, such as strengthening energy storage and boosting demand flexibility, pointing to 2025 as a crucial year for implementing these solutions.
And with such a clear scenario in data and studies, what awaits us in the sector in 2025? Here are some of the trends that will define the present of energy efficiency in 2025. Get ready to start now!
1. Use of Artificial Intelligence
As in other areas, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to be key in the sector, with a cross-cutting impact that will transform the way we address energy efficiency challenges.
Its capacity for data analysis and prediction of energy demand, as well as for the optimization of smart grids, among other applications, will make it easier for companies to make decisions. In addition, its usefulness for automating processes and detecting inefficiencies make AI a fundamental pillar that, when integrated with other technologies, amplifies its scope in the transformation of the energy sector.
However, despite its enormous usefulness, there is still reluctance in the sector to implement it because, according to the EnergIAbySmarkia study conducted by GFK, only 9% of companies take advantage of its potential; figures that suggest that there is still a long way to go and 2025 will be a key year for this.
2. Certificates of Energy SavingCAEs)
The CAEs, which allow monetizing energy savings through the adoption of energy efficiency improvement measures, are consolidated as drivers of reindustrialization and allies in meeting climate objectives, positioning themselves as an essential investment in the transition to a more efficient and competitive energy model. Thus, according to the National Association of Energy Services Companies (ANESE), in the first half of 2024 alone, up to 90 CAE file applications were submitted, corresponding to a total requested energy saving of 290.67 Gwh.
With this data as a reference, 2025 will be a key year, as those companies that already use them will have the opportunity to intensify their commitment to maximizing profits, while those that have not yet adopted them will try to take advantage of this strategic tool before the end of its validity in 2030.
Flexibility markets
Today, energy flexibility markets have the potential to become a key pillar in 2025, given the growing challenge of balancing energy supply and demand levels. To achieve this, however, it will be essential to facilitate adjustments that allow consumers to transfer surplus energy to the grid in exchange for economic incentives, a process in which AI will also play a leading role. Although important steps have been taken in the European framework, Spain still lacks consolidated regulations in this area. Therefore, next year is shaping up to be a turning point to promote its definitive takeoff, promoting its integration into the energy system and a more dynamic and sustainable model.
4. Digitization, data analysis and automation
These 3 tools, powered by AI, will continue to be trendsetting because they enable the collection and processing of large volumes of data, providing a detailed view of energy consumption and detecting inefficiencies in real time, thus driving more accurate, cost-effective and sustainable management.
In this regard, the EMS energy management system is emerging as a key solution, bringing together all these tools to help achieve net zero targets and advance decarbonization. However, only 25% of companies are considering investments in this area, according to the Verdantix Smart Innovators Industrial Energy Management Software report. This gap reflects the need for a greater strategic focus on technologies such as EMS, which are key to integrating sustainable solutions in energy management and will undoubtedly emerge in 2025.
5. Renewable energies and storage
Advances in energy storage and the integration of renewable energies are solving one of the biggest challenges of sources such as solar and wind power: their intermittency. Technologies such as lithium-ion batteries, green hydrogen and advanced systems such as Grid Scale, which calculate the degradation of batteries in each use, are making it possible to overcome critical barriers in the sector. These innovations guarantee a constant supply, even in adverse weather conditions, contributing to decarbonization and promoting a more self-sufficient and sustainable energy model.
Looking ahead to 2025, when new renewable generation records are expected to be broken, the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) foresees a massive deployment of green energies with the aim of boosting their strategic value and reaching 81% of renewable generation in 2030, equivalent to 160 GW of installed capacity. This progress will be accompanied by a significant development in energy storage, with a target of 22 GW through batteries, which will provide the electricity system with the necessary flexibility to manage the high penetration of clean energies and ensure its stability.
6. Modernization of infrastructures and intelligent buildings
According to a Johnson Controls report, only 13% of companies have integrated systems to make their buildings smart spaces that achieve and regulate optimal energy consumption levels. Figures like this show a key opportunity to improve the efficiency and safety of infrastructures where, once again, #IA and energy management platforms such as Smarkia will be key in 2025.
Cybersecurity
As energy infrastructures and systems adopt advanced technologies, the risks associated with cyber-attacks also increase, which is why advances in cybersecurity are essential and their development will be key in 2025. In fact, the 'Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024', developed by the World Economic Forum, has already put on the table the great impact that emerging technologies will have on the security of energy systems. In this scenario, guaranteeing the protection of an industry as strategic as energy becomes a priority to avoid supply interruptions, protect the integrity of the system and safeguard users' privacy.
In 2025, these trends will be fundamental in moving towards greater energy efficiency, playing a key role in the transition to a more sustainable, competitive and resilient model. Technologies such as AI will make the sector better positioned and better prepared to face challenges such as decarbonization, intermittency and optimization, without compromising system safety and user comfort. Furthermore, advances in innovation and public-private collaboration will be essential to drive the necessary investment and legislation to ensure that climate goals are met.
