POWERTY project recognized in RegioStars 2022
On 18 November 2022, the European Commission awarded third place to the Andalusian Energy Agency for its PISCA programme in the RegioStars’ Public Choice Award. Among the programme’s main initiatives are the Interreg Europe BUILD2LC and POWERTY projects.
The PISCA programme, which was recognized as having made significant progress since it was awarded a RegioStars award back in 2015, contributes to energy saving measures by improving the take-up of renewables in existing buildings.
Sustainable Construction and energy efficiency in buildings are especially important nowadays in Europe because of the current energy crisis and the urgent need to reduce the energy consumption in buildings.
Joaquin Villar
What makes PISCA so successful?
The programme has three goals:
- revitalising the construction sector;
- promoting the renovation of buildings;
- and fighting energy poverty.
To reach this last goal, the BUILD2LC project was created.
Joaquin Villar Rodriguez, Head of Unit at the Andalusian Energy Agency, told us that during the BUILD2LC project, “energy poverty was pointed out as one of the main issues where energy rehabilitation could have a greater impact.”
With this in mind, they launched the POWERTY project in 2019.
POWERTY aims to put an end to energy poverty through renewable energies. It is working to ensure poorer families have access to enough supplies.
As part of the project, a pilot action in Torreblanca, a very vulnerable neighborhood, will set up the first energy community in the region. Eleven families will receive renewable energy from two photovoltaic installations located in two schools in Seville. These families will see their energy bills considerably reduce.
What impact has winning the award had?
The RegioStars award is a very important recognition to EU-funded projects that demonstrate innovative and inclusive approaches to regional development and are attractive for inspiring other regions.
Thanks to the RegioStars award, Joaquin says that Andalusia has reinforced the interregional collaboration with other European regions. “With PICSA we have ensured that more and more Andalusian families benefit from energy savings and become the real protagonists in achieving a more sustainable energy system.”
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