Local energy community transformation office

Supported by the Next Generation EU programme and the Spanish Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), the municipality of Rivas Vaciamadrid launched a Community Transformation Office in 2023. This office acts as a driving force, helping associations, citizens, cooperatives, and small businesses develop sustainable energy communities.

The Community Transformation Office offers various services to help citizens form energy communities utilizing solar technologies in buildings. These services include expert guidance on community creation, self-consumption, energy efficiency, and public funding. Assistance is provided through in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and video conferences. The office also offers technical, regulatory, and financial support through courses, coaching workshops, and conferences. So far, 210 citizens have participated in these activities, and over 600 people have visited the information office.

Rivas boasts a substantial solar infrastructure with 2,300 solar panels installed on public buildings, generating 1.9 MWh annually—covering 19% of the city's municipal energy needs. By purchasing energy directly, the city council saves €2.5 million per year, which is reinvested into other public services.

While solar installations in public buildings are advancing, citizen-led energy communities in Rivas are still in the design phase. Recently, the "La Pablo Renovable" solar neighborhood, involving 500 homes, was launched. It uses locally produced solar energy for self-consumption and represents the first step toward developing a broader energy community in Rivas.

Looking ahead, Rivas plans to explore additional solar PV opportunities within its municipal boundaries. The municipality's pioneering efforts in fostering sustainable energy communities could serve as a model for other cities in the Madrid region and beyond, highlighting its commitment to future generations.

Regarding energy communities, Mayor Aída Castillejo commented, “We continue to make Rivas a smart, sustainable, and intelligent municipality through initiatives that promote energy efficiency and savings. Thanks to projects like this, the public sector demonstrates its commitment and responsibility to future generations.”

Source: Escan s.l.

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