Local Transition on Mount Raño, the local community wants to be the protagonist

• by OEGA
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Organised by the Community of Common Land of Monte Raño, located in the municipality of Irixoa (A Coruña), the Galician Wind Energy Observatory (OEGA) took part in an informational session aimed at all citizens, agricultural holdings and local institutions to discuss the key points of the energy transition and explain how to create a local energy community.

In Monte Raño, residents have first-hand knowledge of how the energy transition is taking shape in their territory, thanks to the Touriñán wind farm, located in the Sierra de Moncoso, where the CMVMC owns a large part of its communal lands. However, the conventional structure of the energy system leaves companies as the main beneficiaries, while residents are relegated to a passive role, with compensation that is often insufficient. It is precisely for this reason that the CMVMC of Monte Raño aims to define a local strategy to produce energy from local natural resources, with the participation of all interested individuals and entities, which will reduce its dependence on external sources and allow progress towards the economic, social and environmental strengthening of the local community.

Fundamental aspects of energy communities were addressed, such as the types of legal organisation and the direct economic and tax benefits. The main features of the current legislation, which has recently changed, and the available technological options were presented. It was also highlighted that the key element for the advancement of these initiatives is the willingness of citizens to participate and organise collectively.

Through examples of projects already underway in other parts of Galicia and by answering questions, the event encouraged the residents of Monte Raño to reflect on how to take the first steps towards moving from passive consumers to relevant actors in the energy transition, thereby generating sustainable benefits for their collective future.