In recent years, Energy communities have gained prominence in Spain as a way for neighborhood groups and small businesses to manage and share their own renewable energy. These initiatives, supported by local councils, associations, and institutional partners, seek reduce dependence on large electricity companies and democratize access to clean energy, placing citizens at the center of the system.
Throughout the country, projects that allow individuals and small businesses to benefit from the collective production of electricity, primarily through the installation of solar panels in shared spaces. Participants gain access to clean energy, save on their energy bills, and contribute to emissions reduction targets. Below, we review some of the most notable projects that are setting trends in the transition toward a more participatory and sustainable model.
Pioneering experiences in promoting energy communities
One of the most recent examples is that of TEK Zerain, an energy community promoted in Gipuzkoa. The initiative has been promoted by the ZerainLab association, backed by the city council, and financially supported by the Provincial Council, which has covered 67% of the project's cost through a grant of nearly 72.500 EurosThanks to this cooperation, a group of 27 partners - including families, SMEs and a local association - can access solar energy generated by 125 photovoltaic panels with a total power of 70,6 kWp and 22 kWh of storage, installed on the roofs of two companies in the municipality.
This facility allows that 24 families, two small businesses and various local entities reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and achieve up to 30% savings on your electricity billFurthermore, the project is estimated to prevent the emission of approximately 30 tons of COâ‚‚ annually, equivalent to the absorption capacity of more than a thousand trees, thus consolidating the role of the energy community as a driver of local sustainability.
En Soto del Real (Madrid), the energy community SotoGenera has launched another collective self-consumption model in collaboration with the city council and residents themselves. By installing a 100 kW photovoltaic solar system at the municipal sports center, the project aims to supply collective energy to around 30 homes, saving approximately XNUMX% on their electricity bills. Furthermore, part of the production is reserved for public facilities and vulnerable households, reinforcing the social component of the initiative. SotoGenera is organized as a non-profit association and encourages participation, access to tax deductions, and the search for subsidies so that no resident is left out for economic reasons.
Municipal projects and institutional support in the development of energy communities
Other Spanish towns are opting for similar models. Jaraiz de la Vera (Cáceres) stands out for having promoted the first municipal energy community in Extremadura, supplying municipal buildings, public lighting, and homes with 100% renewable energy. The project, developed by Cox Energy, includes successive expansion phases and aims to achieve a reduction of up to 60% in beneficiaries' electricity bills, in addition to avoiding the emission of tens of tons of CO₂ each year.
In the Andalusian area, the municipality of Andalusian fountains has completed the necessary infrastructure to establish its own local energy community. More than 80 residents have expressed their intention to join this system, which seeks to reduce energy costs for families, promote local renewable energy generation, and democratize the management of the municipality's electricity supply.
Gran Canaria is also making progress in promoting these initiatives. Santa Lucia de Tirajana An energy community is already active, comprised of representatives from companies, the educational community, and environmentally conscious citizens. The project has the support of the city council and the island council, which advise and facilitate the search for roofs on public and private buildings to install solar panels. The goal is to achieve decentralized production, power both homes and businesses, and combat energy exclusion.
Advantages and challenges of energy communities
These projects offer a number of direct benefits for participants: economic savings, access to clean energy, reduction of the carbon footprint and strengthening of the social fabric. In addition, elements such as the democratic management, the inclusion of vulnerable households and the possibility of accessing deductions and public aid make energy communities a viable and attractive option for many municipalities.
However, the growth of this model requires addressing certain challenges, such as the need for a clearer and more stable regulatory framework, the proper distribution of generated energy, and internal organization to ensure transparency and effective participation. The trend indicates that more and more localities are opting for collective and sustainable energy solutions, with institutional support facilitating their implementation.
Energy communities are consolidating their position as a key element in advancing the energy transition in Spain, promoting citizen co-responsibility and universal access to renewable energy.