Energy efficiency measure: Management System for Intensive Energy Consumption (SGCIE)

• DL 68-A/2015
• DL 71/2008

The Management System for Intensive Energy Consumption (SGCIE) is a mechanism whose objective is to promote energy efficiency in the industrial sector by monitoring energy consumption of the energy-intensive facilities (CIE, in Portuguese). The System also allows for the drafting and execution of Energy Consumption Rationalisation Plans (PREn, in Portuguese), which are supported by Energy Rationalisation Agreements (ARCEs) – instruments that encourage the fulfilment of energy efficiency goals by intensive consumers through the granting of incentives.
Energy Consumption Rationalisation Plans (PREn) are drawn up based on the reports of mandatory energy audits, and must provide for the implementation, in the first three years, of all measures identified with a period of return on investment less than or equal to five years, in the case of installations with energy consumption equal to or greater than 1000 toe/year (or 11.6 GWh), or with a payback period of less than or equal to three years in the case of other installations. PREns, when approved by the Directorate-General of Energy and Geology (DGEG), become Energy Rationalisation Agreements (ARCE), and the companies, entities bound to these agreements must, biannually, present a report showcasing the progress and targets reached.

1. For facilities with consumption lower than 1000 toe/year (or 11.6 GWh), there is a 50% reimbursement of the costs of mandatory energy audits, up until EUR 750, given that it is proven that at least 50% of the measures agreed in the ARCE have been executed;
2. A reimbursement of 25%, up to EUR 10,000, of the investments made in equipment and energy management/monitoring systems is paid, as long as there are funds for this purpose.
For installations that use only natural gas and/or renewable resources, the benefits described above are eligible for an increase of 25% in the case of the use of renewable and of 15% for natural gas (art. 12 of DL 71/2008).

SGCIE applies only to energy-intensive facilities whose annual energy consumption is equal or higher than 500 toe (or 5.8 GWh) (art. 2 DL 71/2008). However, installations with energy consumption of less than 500 toe / year or buildings in the previous situation may, on a voluntary basis, apply the SGCIE and enter into Energy Consumption Rationalization Agreements with DGEG (art. 2 of DL 71/2008).

Companies must register themselves on SGCIE’s Portal.
CIE installations with an annual consumption of 500 toe or less and less than 1000 toe must perform energy audits every 8 years, with the goal of reducing the Energy Intensity and Specific Energy Consumption by 4% and maintaining the carbonic intensity.
CIE installations with an annual consumption equal to or greater than 1000 toe must perform energy audits every 8 years, with the goal of reducing the Energy Intensity and Specific Energy Consumption by 6% and maintaining the Carbon Intensity (art. 6 DL 71/2008).

• Directorate-General of Energy and Geology (DGEG)
• Portuguese Agency for Energy (ADENE)