foodservice equipment

Royal Decree 638/2026, dated July 29, establishes an Emergency Plan to provide subsidies for the replacement of equipment in hospitality establishments with the aim of reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

Energy efficiency has become one of the main challenges for the hospitality industry. Rising costs for electricity and other utilities have increased pressure on the profitability of bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other tourist establishments.

With the aim of promoting the modernization of the sector, the government has approved a new grant program designed to facilitate the replacement of hospitality equipment with more energy-efficient solutions. These grants, which can reach up to €11,000 per establishment, represent an opportunity to invest in technology that reduces energy consumption and optimizes operating costs.

What do these grants consist of?

The program establishes a special grant program for hospitality and tourist lodging establishments to encourage the replacement of machinery and equipment with more energy-efficient models.

The grants are awarded through a direct award procedure; that is, in the order in which complete applications are submitted and until the available budget is exhausted, without a competitive selection process.

The call for applications will be open from August 5 through September 30, 2026, although the deadline may be moved up if the allocated funds are exhausted.

Who is eligible?

Owners of establishments located in Spain whose businesses operate in the lodging and restaurant sectors may apply for this assistance, including:

· Hotels and tourist accommodations.
· Restaurants.
· Bars and coffee shops.
· Catering companies.
· Campgrounds.
· Other establishments classified under CNAE codes 55 and 56.

In addition, eligible recipients may include individuals, legal entities, communities of property, and unincorporated partnerships that meet the requirements set forth in the call for applications.

What types of investments are eligible for grants?

The program calls for the replacement of various types of professional equipment designed to improve the facility’s energy efficiency.

Eligible activities include:

· Replacement of industrial equipment in the hospitality industry.
· Replacement of commercial appliances.
· More efficient HVAC systems.
· Awnings and umbrellas that help improve the building’s energy performance.
· Installation and construction costs necessary for the renovation.
· Management of waste generated by equipment replacement.
· Energy efficiency certificates and certain costs related to the administration and justification of the grant.

Conversely, equipment that uses fossil fuels, including natural gas, is excluded.

How much is the grant?

Each business will be eligible for a grant of between €5,000 and €11,000, which may cover up to 100% of eligible costs, provided that the amount does not exceed the limits established by the de minimis aid regulations.

In addition, a single company may submit applications for multiple establishments, provided they are different work sites.

Beyond the Grant: An Investment in Competitiveness

Although the grant provides a significant financial incentive, the true value of this opportunity lies in the benefits that come from upgrading the equipment.

The introduction of state-of-the-art professional machinery helps reduce energy consumption, optimize work processes, improve staff productivity, and lower maintenance costs associated with obsolete equipment.

Against a backdrop of increasing pressure on operating margins, investing in energy efficiency not only helps reduce the business’s environmental impact but also improves its profitability in the medium and long term.

Why is it important to act as soon as possible?

The budget allocated to this program is limited, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis based on the submission of complete applications. This means that preparing for the investment in advance can be crucial to securing the grant.

Therefore, it is advisable to assess the facility’s needs as soon as possible, identify the equipment that needs to be replaced, and plan the project well in advance.

At Pilsa, we help you revitalize your business

At Pilsa, we specialize in manufacturing and supplying professional solutions for the hospitality industry.

Our team can help you identify which equipment best suits your establishment’s needs and advise you so that the renovation of your commercial kitchen results in a real improvement in efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

If you’re considering upgrading your machinery, now might be the time to do so.

Contact our team and find out how we can help you modernize your business by taking advantage of this opportunity.