Installing charging points in the national territory is not just a technical issue, but also involves knowledge of local regulations and collaboration with manufacturers who understand these particularities.
This is how Alfonso Viejo, Partner and Energy Agent of Feníe Energía, explains it to Mobility Portal España, within the framework of MOVEO.
“In Asturias, for example, regulations are taken more literally, while in other communities they are more lax,” he says.
The reason? In this region, the UNE 202009-52:2021 standard , which establishes the criteria for the verification and inspection of “refuelling” facilities, is followed in detail.
This regulation requires that electrical panels comply with strict security measures to prevent unauthorized access or potential dangers to users.
“In Asturias, it is essential to have intermediate doors, which guarantees greater security,” explains Alfonso Viejo.
One of the keys to meeting these requirements is collaboration with local manufacturers who understand the particularities of Asturian regulations.
This is why, in this location, one of the preferred suppliers of the installation company is Efibat, since its products are designed to meet the requirements of the General Directorate of Industry.
“Efibat integrates the electrical panel into the charging point with all the necessary protections,” explains the Energy Agent.
This ability to adapt is essential in a market where regulatory requirements can vary significantly from one region to another.
In addition to regulatory difficulties, the installation of charging points poses technical challenges at the national level.
The shortage of installers is a reality
“In Spain there is a significant need for professional installers in all companies,” says Alfonso Viejo.
He emphasises: “There is a great demand and we need technicians. We need people who can undergo vocational training.”
This is essential, especially considering that the implementation of these chargers can only be carried out by authorized personnel, as stipulated in Royal Decree 1053/2014.
The ITC-BT-52 regulation, which deals with “Special purpose installations. Infrastructure for recharging electric vehicles”, establishes that the professional must have the accreditation of an authorized installer and the legalization of the point through an electrical installation certificate.
This means that anyone who does not have this accreditation will not be able to carry out the implementation.
The shortage of qualified professionals not only delays the expansion of charging infrastructure, but could also lead to bad practices due to intrusion.
This is detailed in a report by the Business Association for the Development and Promotion of Electric Mobility (AEDIVE), adding that the lack of qualified personnel is a challenge that affects the entire sector.
In addition, there is a perceived lack of interest on the part of young people.
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), 45.7 per cent of workers in the construction sector, which includes electrical installers, are over 45 years old.
Within this framework, specific training programmes are being promoted, both in the public and private sectors.
The Spanish government, for example, announced the creation of 4,000 new vocational training places in 2023, focused on renewable energy and, in particular, on the installation of “refuelling” infrastructure.
However, according to the Feníe Energía representative, “it is a challenge for young people to see this opportunity or value these more traditional jobs.”
What does the work of Feníe Energía involve?
It is a marketing company created by thousands of installation companies in the country, which offers personalized advice on energy efficiency through its Energy Agents.
It offers its clients services such as electricity and gas contracting, producer representation and energy efficiency solutions such as self-consumption and electric mobility.
Its purpose is to promote consumption habits that contribute to savings and efficient use of energy.
It promotes a model focused on responsible savings, with a close, honest and transparent service provided by its Energy Agents.
This approach, based on efficiency, places the customer as the main actor in the energy transition, ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.
“In the electromobility sector, we focus mainly on the installation of chargers in the residential sector,” explains the Feníe Energía representative.
