At AIGUASOL, we have taken part in the project “Technical Assistance for the Development of a Study on Energy Use in Industry (EUEI-25)”, a strategic milestone promoted by the Ente Vasco de la Energía (EVE) and jointly developed with TECNALIA. The study aims to provide a rigorous, forward-looking understanding of the current status and evolution of energy use in the Basque industrial sector, as well as its short- and medium-term outlook.

Our contribution has been pivotal in obtaining and validating first-hand information from the industrial fabric for EVE, with the ultimate objective of developing a comprehensive strategy to improve energy efficiency and accelerate the decarbonisation of the Basque industrial sector.

AIGUASOL’s role in the study

The project scope was structured around two main pillars:

• Study on Energy Use in Industry (EUEI-25)

AIGUASOL was responsible for conducting surveys and in-depth interviews with a representative sample of industrial companies across the País Vasco, ensuring coverage of at least 85% of final energy consumption at the industrial subsector level.

• Basque Industry Energy Report

Prepared by TECNALIA on the basis of the data collected, with a clear focus on publication and sector-wide dissemination.
Our responsibility lay in executing and validating the data-collection process, ensuring the highest levels of quality, consistency, and representativeness.

Our methodology: rigour, engagement, and representativeness

To address the project with the required depth, our work was structured into three main phases:

1. Definition of the information to be collected

Building on the initial survey model provided by EVE, we conducted a critical review to ensure that the requested data would enable:

• An accurate snapshot of the current situation.
• Analysis of recent energy trends.
• Assessment of electrification and decarbonisation prospects.
• Detailed characterisation of industrial processes and their energy requirements.

Through energy audits conducted via structured interviews with participating companies, we gathered key information, including:

• Energy consumption and production levels.
• Energy consumption per unit of product.
• Distribution of energy use across production processes.
• Existing technologies (furnaces, boilers, compressors, cogeneration engines, etc.).
• Energy costs.
• Decarbonisation plans and electrification needs.
• Energy-efficiency measures implemented or planned over the last three years.

A distinctive element of our approach was the preliminary definition of indicators designed to:

• Systematically validate incoming data.
• Enable comparisons among companies within the same subsector.
• Detect inconsistencies.
• Assess decarbonisation potential and renewable integration.
• Provide a robust basis for strategic decision-making by EVE.

2. Data collection through individualised interviews

We conducted tailored technical interviews with companies across the Basque industrial ecosystem, cross-checking information, analysing internal consistency, and supporting companies in the technical interpretation of their own energy systems.

This approach allowed us to:

• Gain in-depth insight into real energy processes.
• Understand key technological constraints (hot-water or steam loop temperatures, compressed-air pressures, furnace and boiler typologies, etc.).
• Identify barriers and opportunities for the deployment of decarbonisation technologies.

3. Continuous analysis and validation

A progressive validation process was implemented throughout the survey period, including:

• Weekly and/or interim follow-ups with EVE.
• Cross-evaluation among companies within the same subsector.
• Early identification of potential errors or deviations.
• Collaborative correction of inconsistencies.

This system ensured the reliability of the final results and enabled the consolidation of a high-value strategic energy database for the Basque industrial sector.

A project with strategic learning value

Our participation in this study has deepened our understanding of the Basque industry’s energy performance from a transversal and subsectoral perspective. Beyond an analytical exercise, the project constitutes a strategic foundation for accelerating the sector’s energy transition, grounded in robust data, a proven methodology, and a forward-looking vision.

As a result, AIGUASOL has further strengthened its expertise in supporting industrial companies in the Basque Country in the analysis, design, and implementation of decarbonisation pathways and energy-efficiency optimisation strategies for their processes.