Local energy community transformation office

The municipality, backed by the Next Generation EU programme and the Spanish Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE), has established a Community Transformation Office. Launched in 2023, the office serves as a catalyst, empowering associations, citizens, cooperatives, and small businesses toward the creation of sustainable energy communities.

The Community Transformation Office offers a range of services to create energy communities of citizens using solar technologies in buildings. These services include expert advice on energy community creation, self-consumption, energy efficiency, and public aid. The support is carried out in-person, by telephone, email and through videoconferences. The Office also provides technical regulatory and economic support with courses, coaching workshops, and conferences. So far, these activities have generated engagement from 210 citizens. Over 600 people have already visited the information office.

Rivas boasts an impressive solar infrastructure, with 2,300 solar panels installed on public buildings. This solar array produces 1.9 MWh annually, contributing 19% of municipal consumption. The city council makes the direct purchase of energy, reducing the bill by €2.5 million annually that is dedicated to other public services.

Although solar infrastructures in public buildings are being developed in Rivas, energy communities with direct participation of citizens are still in a design phase. Recently, a solar neighbourhood was launched, involving 500 homes and based on a group of buildings using locally produced PV power for self-consumption. Named “La Pablo Renovable”, the neighbourhood represents a first step for the development of an energy community in Rivas.

Looking ahead, Rivas has ambitious plans to explore the potential of additional solar PV sites within municipal domains. Rivas Vaciamadrid’s innovative approach to fostering sustainable energy communities and the success of this initiative could be replicated for other cities in the Madrid Region and beyond, demonstrating its commitment to future generations.

Related to energy communities, “we continue to make Rivas a smart sustainable and intelligent municipality through actions that promote energy efficiency and energy savings” commented the mayor, Aída Castillejo, emphasizing that “thanks to projects like this, the public sector shows its level of commitment and responsibility towards future generations.”

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!