Companies that invest in energy efficiency, renewables or the circular economy can finance part of that investment with public subsidies. In 2026, most of this support is channelled through the Next Generation EU funds, within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR), and managed by the IDAE and the autonomous communities.
This article sets out the most relevant real programmes and how to apply for them. Because each form of aid is governed by its own call, we avoid quoting fixed amounts that change with each edition: what matters is to review the rules currently in force.
Where green funding comes from
The bulk of support for business sustainability comes from European funds deployed in Spain via the PRTR. Several formats coexist:
- Direct grants that cover part of the eligible cost.
- Loans on favourable terms for investment in more efficient equipment.
- Tax benefits that complement the aid, such as the free depreciation for renewables.
Main support programmes
IDAE energy programmes
The Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE) designs the major national programmes, which the autonomous communities then put out to tender:
- Self-consumption and storage: aid for renewable self-consumption installations and batteries in the services sector and industry.
- PREE and PREE 5000: energy renovation of buildings, with a specific line for municipalities facing demographic challenges.
- Innovative renewables and energy communities: calls for more ambitious projects.
Mobility: MOVES and its continuation
The MOVES III programme financed the purchase of electric vehicles and the installation of charging points. It ran until 31 December 2025, and several regions exhausted their budget before it closed. For 2026, the government has set up a new, more centrally managed plan to support electric mobility; it is worth checking the call currently in force in your autonomous community.
Industry, R&D&i and decarbonisation
There is aid for industrial decarbonisation and flagship projects through the PERTE (Strategic Projects for Economic Recovery and Transformation), as well as R&D&i lines from bodies such as the CDTI for clean technologies. These usually require a larger project size and a clear innovation component.
Circular economy and waste
There are national and regional calls to drive the circular economy: ecodesign, reuse, recycling and better waste management in sectors such as textiles, packaging and food.
Common requirements
Although they change from call to call, applications usually require:
- A technical report setting out objectives, methodology, budget and timetable.
- Economic viability and the financial capacity to carry out the project.
- A measurable environmental impact, such as estimated emission reductions or energy savings.
- Regulatory compliance on environmental matters and being up to date with the tax authorities and social security.
- Subsequent justification of the spending, within strict implementation deadlines.
How to apply for a subsidy step by step
- Find the call: check the IDAE website, the official gazettes (the BOE and the regional bulletin) and the National Subsidies Database.
- Prepare the documentation: reports, budgets and certificates evidencing the impact.
- Apply within the deadline: many forms of aid are awarded in order of submission until funds run out.
- Implement and justify: track milestones and keep invoices to justify the spending to the managing body.
Benefits for the company
- Lower financial risk: the aid covers part of the initial cost of the investment.
- Recurring savings: efficiency and renewables cut the energy bill.
- Competitiveness and reputation: it strengthens your position with customers, investors and large supply chains with environmental requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive a subsidy and also apply a tax incentive?
Generally yes, but with limits: the subsidy received may reduce the base on which the tax benefit is calculated. You should review the rules of each call.
Are the MOVES grants still open in 2026?
MOVES III ended on 31 December 2025. For 2026 there is a new framework to support electric mobility; it is worth confirming the active call in your autonomous community.
Before investing, it pays to know where your emissions are: with Manglai you can measure your carbon footprint and prioritise the projects that reduce it most.
