PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Spain lacks a suitable financial and regulatory framework for community energy development. Indeed, previous energy legislation, such as the so-called ‘sun tax’ of 2011, has had a detrimental effect with most citizens remaining reluctant to invest in energy transition. Furthermore, Spain’s oligopolistic energy market poses an additional barrier. In 2020 the country’s energy capacity was 110,462 MW, of which renewable sources accounted for 53.8%. However, 99.5% of the current installed renewable capacity belongs to large private companies. The low level of community energy initiatives relates to three problems:
- lack of transposition of relevant directives (such as Directive (UE) 2019/944 and Directive (UE) 2018/2001);
- lack of information and training of citizens on new energy rights and how to implement them;
- lack of information and training of municipal authorities.
OBJECTIVES
The first aim of the UP4CommunityEnergy project was to encourage political decision-makers to introduce a favourable framework for community energy and citizen participation in energy production. It demonstrated to decision-makers the environmental, social and economic opportunities of community energy with a view to increasing their promotion.
The project also aimed to build a strong and diverse citizens' movement. It aimed to empower citizens by creating networks for information exchange among civil society actors and by strengthening the Spanish community energy coalition.
A third objective was to raise public awareness by promoting simple stories and key messages on the role that citizens can play towards energy transition. It also highlighted the negative consequences for territories of the implementation of renewables without citizen participation and the opportunity that community energy represents for a green, fair and inclusive energy transition.
RESULTS
The "UP4CommunityEnergy" project achieved its primary objectives, successfully advocating for a favourable policy framework, building a robust citizen movement, and raising public awareness about community energy.
In terms of policy advocacy, the project informed 12 political decision-makers, far exceeding initial expectations. It successfully influenced the transposition of the European directive on energy communities into national legislation. Additionally, four comprehensive documents were prepared and presented to policymakers, advocating for measures to support community energy projects. This effort led to at least four new measures being implemented by local administrations to facilitate the creation of community energy initiatives.
The project also strengthened the community energy movement. The Community Energy Coalition saw increased participation from various initiatives, and the project fostered the development of local activist networks in five regions of Spain. These networks engaged in communication, training, and advocacy activities related to community energy. The Community Energy Festival was a standout success, attracting diverse participants and promoting the importance of community-led energy solutions.
Public awareness efforts yielded impressive results. The project's media campaign reached a wide audience, with 34 mentions in national press, significantly raising the profile of community energy issues. The project's communication campaign reached 358 245 people, surpassing the target of 200 000. The number of participants in the community energy initiatives also exceeded expectations, with 107 194 individuals engaged through collective challenge campaigns and related activities. Additionally, the project's website, serving as a hub for information and resources, garnered 66 334 views.
Overall, the "UP4CommunityEnergy" project demonstrated high effectiveness, achieving its objectives despite challenges such as legal barriers and the dominance of traditional energy companies. The project's success underscores the importance of community energy in the transition to renewable energy and highlights the potential for similar initiatives to drive significant social, environmental, and economic benefits. Key lessons learned include the need to address structural barriers and the critical role of local administrations in supporting energy communities.
