The Basque Government allocates 400 million euros for industrial decarbonization
Barakaldo (Bizkaia), May 8 (EFE).- The Basque Government will allocate 400 million euros through the Deskarboniza plan, which includes tax breaks from the three regional councils, to promote the "intelligent decarbonization of Basque industry."
The plan's presentation event, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), was attended by the Regional Minister for Industry, Energy Transition, and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi, and the Regional Deputies for Economic Promotion of Álava, Saray Zárate; of Bizkaia, Ainara Basurko; and of Gipuzkoa, Unai Andueza.
According to the Basque Government, Decarboniza is a plan that brings together various aid programs from the Basque Government and tax deductions from the Provincial Councils to "promote the smart decarbonization of industry in the Basque Country."
With direct aid of €400 million over the course of the legislative term, it hopes to mobilize up to €1.2 billion in public-private investment to boost the decarbonization of Basque industry and "gain competitiveness in a context of commercial uncertainty."
The two main programs are those aimed at industrial decarbonization (100 million) and self-consumption (160), and other programs are also included with 40 million allocated to sustainable mobility, energy audits and the circular economy.
It also includes a zero-interest loan facility for public administrations totaling €100 million and includes tax deductions for provincial councils, allowing them to claim up to 35% off their investments in decarbonization and environmental sustainability.
According to Basque institutions, Basque industry could save up to 68% of its investments in decarbonizing its processes and products through the implementation of self-consumption electricity facilities, thereby increasing its competitiveness.
For large companies, the average subsidy is 23%, for medium-sized companies it is 28%, and for small companies it is 33%, plus a 35% tax deduction for all of them.
Councilor Mikel Jauregi stated that the plan's goal is to increase energy efficiency because "the best energy is that which is not consumed," self-consumption "as a guarantee of supply," and the commitment to clean technologies "as a differentiating factor."
Jauregi believes that last week's blackout "has shown us our vulnerability" and asserted that the Deskarboniza program represents steps toward "becoming more energy independent and self-sufficient."
"But it's not enough. We still need greater investment in electricity grids and the development of our own renewable energy through photovoltaic and wind farms," he noted.
In this regard, the minister stated that "the Basque Government has been working intensively for a long time at all levels, both with the Ministry and Red Eléctrica, to detail the necessary investments in the Basque Country's electricity grid."
He stated that "this is essential to decarbonize our industry, address the growth of our companies, and attract new industry." EFE
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