The city of Manresa, in central Catalonia, is leading the way toward industrial energy transformation with the support of the ENERGIZE project. Manresa Il·lumina is the first Industrial Renewable Energy Community (IREC) in Spain, a cooperative initiative that demonstrates how collaboration between companies can drive renewable energy generation, efficiency, and sustainability.
From Industrial Parks to a Shared Energy Vision
The project was launched by the Business Association of Bufalvent, which brings together four industrial parks in Manresa — Bufalvent, Els Dolors, Els Trullols, and Pont Nou. In 2021, the association carried out a study on the photovoltaic potential of local rooftops, mapping solar radiation and energy flows. The findings showed that Bufalvent alone could generate all the energy consumed by its companies, revealing strong complementarities between those with large roof areas and those with high energy demand.
A Cooperative Energy Model
Based on these results, the community was officially established in November 2022 as the Cooperativa de Serveis Comunitat Energètica Empresarial Manresa Il·lumina, S.C.C.L. It currently includes 36 member companies, classified as:
- Consumers, who receive renewable energy;
- Generators, who provide rooftop space for solar installations; and
- Generator-consumers, who both host and use the energy produced.
The cooperative is managed by a Governing Council and a General Assembly, ensuring transparent, democratic decision-making. Financing combines 10% member contributions and 90% support from the Catalan Finance Institute (CFI), with affordable energy prices starting at €0.11/kWh, dropping to €0.03/kWh after five years.
Phase 1: Solar Energy in Action
The first phase involves 31 companies, 49 consumption points, and 10 rooftop installations, with a total power of 1.03 MWp and an estimated annual production of 1.55 GWh. By early 2026, the system will be fully operational, meeting 29% of total demand, with 82% self-consumed and the rest fed into the grid.
Phase 2: Expanding the Community
The next phase will extend the project to the industrial parks of Els Dolors, Els Trullols, and Pont Nou, engaging over 70 companies and adding 2 MWp of solar power. It will also include battery storage, electric vehicle charging, shared e-mobility services, and joint energy purchasing.
A Model for Industrial Decarbonisation
Manresa Il·lumina stands as a replicable model for Europe’s industrial transition — proving that cooperation, innovation, and local commitment can power a cleaner and more resilient economy. In Manresa, energy is no longer just consumed — it is shared, managed, and valued collectively.
About ENERGIZE
The ENERGIZE project demonstrates the potential of cooperative energy models in selected industrial zones across the EU: Manresa (Catalonia), Valsesia Region (Italy), Zlín Region (Czech Republic), and Upper Austria (Austria). ENERGIZE promotes energy collaboration through active engagement, capacity building, and the creation of a dedicated digital hub to serve as a support tool.
