The Future of Energy Communities

What are energy communities? 

A model based on collaboration 

The energy communities are groupings of individuals, companies or entities working together to produce, consume, manage and share renewable energy. This approach encourages collective self-consumption and environmental sustainability, reducing dependence on non-renewable sources and promoting a more efficient use of energy resources.

Legal framework in Spain

In Spain, the development of energy communities has been possible thanks to regulations such as the Real Decreto 244/2019, which regulates shared self-consumption and facilitates distributed energy generation. This framework has incentivized community projects in neighborhoods, municipalities and cooperatives throughout the country.

Success stories in Spain

1. Energy community in Rubí, Barcelona 
   This project, driven by the local city council, allows citizens to share the energy generated through municipal photovoltaic installations.The initiative manages to cover up to 35% of its participants' electricity consumption. 

2. Som Energia, a pioneering cooperative 
   Since its founding, this cooperative has supported thousands of people in Spain to produce and consume energy 100% renewable. Its focus includes collaborative photovoltaic and wind projects. 

3. Solar neighborhood of Zaragoza 
   An energy community that unites neighbors and small businesses to share the energy generated by solar panels installed in public buildings, thus reducing energy costs and promoting social cohesion. 

Benefits of being part of an energy community 

Energy communities offer multiple advantages, both individually and collectively:

Sostenibilidad ambiental 

• Reduction of CO2 emissions by using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. 

• Promoting the energy transition needed to combat climate change. 

Ahorro económico 

• Members of these communities can save on their bill of light by sharing the energy generated. 

• Distributed generation minimizes costs associated with energy transportation. 

Empoderamiento ciudadano 

• Energy communities democratize access to energy, enabling citizens to actively participate in energy management decision-making.

• Foster a decentralized and fairer model. 

Cohesión social 

• These initiatives reinforce relationships between neighbors by working together for a common goal. 

• Create support networks that can extend to other areas of community life. 

Tips for forming or joining an energy community 

2. Find out about local regulations

   Understanding the legal framework in force is essential to ensure the success of the project. In Spain, for example, there are specific subsidies and grants offered by public entities to promote renewable energies and energy communities, which can be a significant economic advantage. Also, be sure to comply with the necessary legal formalities, such as registering the energy community and obtaining licenses if necessary. 

3. Assess the energy needs of your community

   A initial analysis of energy consumption. This analysis will allow us to correctly calculate which installations are necessary and, it will help us to choose the most appropriate technologies to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of the project. 

4. Search for strategic allies

   You can collaborate with public entities, such as municipalities, which may be interested in promoting sustainable projects in their localities. Also there are energy cooperatives, such as the already named Som Energia, which offer both technical and economic support for the creation of energy communities.   

Why bet on energy communities? 

The energy future depends on collaborative and sustainable models such as energy communities. These initiatives not only promote more responsible consumption, but also make citizens become a fundamental pillar in the energy transition. 

If you want to learn more about sustainable energy we invite you to visit our blog.