Advancing the energy transition led by local communities

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For the second consecutive year, the Wind Observatory of Galicia is organizing an informational event focused on energy transition led by local communities. This event will take place on November 21st at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Vigo.

Purpose of the Event

Galicia has a well-defined energy framework for electricity production, with a strong emphasis on renewable energies. This framework positions Galicia as a renewable powerhouse, demonstrating one of the highest standards of clean energy transition in Europe. The Galician electricity model is predominantly green, contributing relatively little to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the social, economic, and technological impacts on the localities where this decarbonized energy is generated remain low. In regions dedicated to energy production, there are no significant differential effects observed in socioeconomic or technological aspects.

The Galician electricity model is predominantly green, contributing relatively little to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the social, economic, and technological impacts on the localities where this decarbonized energy is generated remain low. In regions dedicated to energy production, there are no significant differential effects observed in socioeconomic or technological aspects.

Regulatory changes in the electricity market, driven by the European Union, have opened new opportunities for local communities. These opportunities come in the form of Renewable Energy Communities and Citizen Energy Communities, which aim to engage local residents in the social and economic benefits of the energy transition process.

In Galicia, the development of such initiatives is still in its early stages. We are experiencing a relative lag in the advancement of these initiatives compared to other European regions. Nonetheless, dozens of projects are underway, varying in maturity. Some are already producing and self-consuming energy, led by farmers, municipalities, small and medium-sized enterprises, and citizens through collective, community-based solutions. Conversely, most are still in the process of establishing and designing their business models, with many in their initial phases, taking steps to build the necessary social foundations to support collective alternatives for energy transition.

Content of the Event

This event, which follows the inaugural edition held last year, aims to showcase all the stakeholders involved in this new field of energy transition. The role of role of governmental and local authorities is vital for the University of Vigo. Therefore, we count on participation of the Galician government, the primary actor in this process. However, we must also acknowledge the importance of provincial governments and municipalities, which we consider key players in advancing energy communities in Galicia in their various forms.

Finally, this event will mark the launch of an initiative we have been developing at the Wind Observatory of Galicia over the past year and a half: the initiation of a social and participatory process to establish the first community wind farm in Galicia.

The final program will soon be announced.

More Information

If you would like to book a spot for yourself or your organization, please sign up here.

For more information, feel free to contact us at observatorio.eolico@uvigo.gal .