ECO GRANADA Promotion of Energy communities at the Granada Province
About this good practice
a) What is the problem addressed and the context which triggered the introduction of the practice?
In Spain, the development of energy communities faces barriers related to potential users’ lack of awareness of the model, the absence of an appropriate regulatory framework, and the complexity of administrative procedures.
b) How does the practice reach its objectives and how it is implemented? Energy Communities have been supported by regional and local energy agencies.
- First phase from 2021 to 2023 through the Provincial Programme
“Creation of Energy Information Points and dynamizing energy solutions in the territory” explaining energy communities through more than 500 participatory workshops with local actors.
- Second phase from 2023-ongoing through the Community Transformation Office CTO ECO GRANADA “Energy community in Granada” financed by the National Subsidy Program. The funding for this initiative comes from the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, specifically through the Next Generation EU funds.
c) Who are the main stakeholders and beneficiaries of the practice?,
Mainly citizens, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and local entities, as well as other public bodies. Local companies are of special relevance, specifically social companies at the Granada Province that play a crucial role to promote energy communities, with a special action against energy poverty.
Resources needed
- For the first phase: 90,000 euros of own sources for 3 years.
- For the second phase: nearly 800,000 euros with 70% funding, and 30% own sources.
The Staff working in the project includes 3 full time experts and supporting staff from the Energy Provincial Office of Granada.
Evidence of success
The CTOs include synergies at National, Regional and Provincial level.
The National Programme count on with a total budget of 20 million euro, of which 2 million were aimed at the Andalusian region. At the region we have received 45 proposals, where 7 proposals have been accepted. One of the awarded CTO is at Granada Province.
More than 500 people were informed, about 10 new energy communities were developed and around 100 kW of new photovoltaic installations were promoted.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Community Transformation Offices serve as catalysts for energy communities, thereby increasing renewable energy projects, demand management, self-consumption, storage, aggregators and the development of renewable energy projects in any of their applications. The participation of citizens, SMEs, and local entities in renewable energy projects through Community Transformation Offices can significantly enhance local acceptance of these initiatives and provide access to additional private capital.
The practice includes taking into consideration local stakeholders, financing and mobilizing private investments and collaboration among different Administrations.
The Andalusian Energy Agency is leading a working group on Energy communities at the Spanish network of more than 30 local and regional energy agencies EnerAgen.
Furthermore, this support program is fully replicable in other regions of the European Union.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Oficina Provincial de Energía Diputación de Granada