CAE energy savings calculator

How to calculate the energy savings of a CAE action with the IDAE fact sheets

Calculating energy savings is the cornerstone of every CAE file. Each energy efficiency action must demonstrate quantifiable savings using the formulas defined in the standardized fact sheets of the IDAE catalogue, published through Orden TED/845/2023. This calculator lets you perform the calculation free of charge with 5 fact sheets representative of the most common sectors.

Which parameters are entered to calculate savings in MWh?

Each IDAE fact sheet defines a calculation formula with technical parameters specific to the action. The most common ones include the rated power of the replaced and new equipment, energy efficiency, annual operating hours, the climate zone of the installation and the applicable correction factors. The calculator requests this data step by step and applies the official formula to obtain the savings in MWh (megawatt-hours) and in toe (tonnes of oil equivalent, with the equivalence 1 toe = 11.63 MWh in accordance with Orden TED/815/2023).

What is the 30 MWh threshold and why does it matter?

Article 14.6 of Orden TED/815/2023 establishes that a CAE file must reach minimum savings of 30 MWh to be admissible. Below this threshold, the file cannot be submitted to the Sede MITECO. The calculator shows in real time whether or not the action exceeds this limit. When the savings are insufficient, the intermediary may consider grouping several actions in a single file or reviewing the technical parameters of the installation.

What are the 5 available free fact sheets for?

The free fact sheets cover the most frequent use cases in the Spanish CAE market. IND050 corresponds to the replacement or improvement of industrial process equipment. TER030 covers the renovation of air conditioning systems in the tertiary sector. IND240 applies to the installation of frequency converters on industrial motors. RES080 covers the improvement of thermal insulation in residential buildings. TER040 corresponds to the replacement of light fixtures with LED technology in the tertiary sector. To access the 114 fact sheets of the full catalogue, simply create a free account on the platform.

Why use a CAE calculator instead of Excel?

The IDAE fact sheet formulas include multiple variables, tables of correction factors by climate zone and applicability conditions that vary from one fact sheet to another. Reproducing these calculations in an Excel spreadsheet carries risks of errors in the formulas, omission of correction factors and difficulty in keeping the spreadsheet up to date when MITECO changes the parameters. A specialized calculator such as the one from CertificAhorro integrates the official formulas, automatically applies the correction factors and checks the 30 MWh threshold before allowing the file to advance.