An Ambitious Initiative to Propel Rural Energy Communities in Galicia

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Mark your calendars for November 23rd for a training seminar on energy communities that takes center stage at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences at the University of Vigo. This event is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Galician Wind Observatory, with the backing of the University of Vigo, the EC4rural project, and the Interuniversity Research Center for Atlantic Cultural Landscapes (CISPAC).

The day kicks off at 9 AM with welcoming remarks by María Montero from the Galician Wind Observatory and the REDE group. Xavier Simón, who not only coordinates the Observatory but is also a member of the CISPAC leadership and the driving force behind the EC4rural, will set the stage for the day’s discussions.

Jorge Andrey Sterner from the prestigious law firm Schlaich Dauss SLP will shed light on their pivotal role in crafting the Guide for Promoting Energy Communities from a Municipal Perspective, as published by the Deputación of Barcelona. Their experience in aligning municipal actions with the growth of energy communities is of paramount significance.

Jesús Sánchez-Ostiz, the Director General of the Red de Comunidades Energéticas S. Coop. in Navarra, will introduce the cooperative model for the development of energy communities. Experiences in collective electricity production and consumption from Navarra and Alava will be presented. Rafael Larreina, President of the Red de Comunidades Energéticas S. Coop. Navarra (at Panel 1), will steer the conversation and valuable insights derived from energy communities in Alava. Additionally, Carmentxu Etxarte, President of the Urroztarra Energy Community, and Raquel Campillo, President of the Garesbide Social Initiative Cooperative, will provide a systematic overview of the collective initiatives they are part of.

 

While Energy communities have made substantial progress in Navarra, the Valencian Community has also been actively involved. Juan Sacri from Sapiens Energía will offer a deep dive into the development of such initiatives in Valencia, with a particular focus on municipal engagement. His guidance will encompass projects like the Albalat 0.0 Project, featuring Nicolau Josep Claramunt Ruiz, Mayor of Albalat dels Sorells, and the Portell Solidarity and Sustainability Project, with the participation of Álvaro Ferrero Ferrer, Mayor of Portell de Morella.

During the afternoon session, we will delve into the state of energy communities in Galicia.  Xose Manuel Golpe, an energy consultant from the Provincial Council of A Coruña, will assume the role of facilitator. The panel will feature Ana Millán Dieste, President of the Arousa en Transición Association, who will analyze the island’s collective energy action initiative. Raquel Novoa Gómez, President of Renovables de Liñares, S.C.G., will address collective development in Liñares, where the As Neves City Council plays a crucial role. Jose Manuel Álvarez Campana from the Enerxética Cidadá Cooperative in Arteixo City Council (A Coruña) will also contribute. Finally, Mayor José Ulla of Begonte and technicians Miguel Angel Zamorano and Carlos Castro from Masinteligencia SL will share the energy transition project for Begonte.

The seminar will conclude with a presentation by José Luis Pascual Criado, the Director General of the European Territorial Cooperation Group Duero-Douro. He will offer detailed insights into its initiative for rural energy communities on the Spanish and Portuguese border.

To attend the seminar, prior registration is required via this form. Attendance is free, subject to capacity. Both Galician and Spanish will be used interchangeably without the need for simultaneous translation.