The aim in Spain

Government launches incentives, imposes limits, in drive to cut oil use
Spaniards must slow down, use the bike and bus more often, and turn down the heat and the aircon too. It’s all about “doing something for our country”, says industry minister Miguel Sebastián, introducing a 31-point government plan designed to slash the country’s oil bill drastically by 2011.

With transport the biggest oil user (at 40% of the total), the new measures include an 80km/h speed limit around major towns, campaigns to promote more fuel-efficient driving techniques, and incentives for replacing older vehicles with new, more fuel-efficient ones. The plan also calls on Spanish car manufacturers to produce one million electric or hybrid vehicles by 2014, and promises longer opening hours for underground train services, more bus lanes and better cycling facilities.

Public buildings are to observe temperature limits for heating and air conditioning (no more than 21°C in winter, no less than 26°C in summer). Homeowners are urged to do likewise – and they’ve each been given two low-energy lightbulbs to boost the efficiency drive.

There’s not much talk of ‘saving the planet’ in the plan – but a lot about saving money. Taken together, the measures should cut the national oil bill by an estimated €4,140 million (£3.25 billion), for a budgeted plan outlay of just €245 million.

Jose Luis Garcia, energy campaigner for Greenpeace Spain, has no problem with this focus on the money motive. “If anything,” he says, “it’s proof that saving the environment is also good for the economy.” Where he does have reservations, though, is the plan’s lack of specific action, such as legislation to force manufacturers to make their cars less polluting. – Alison Winward

15 October 2008

Alison Winward

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