Local energy communities: Spain ahead of Europe?

As the European energy transition accelerates, one model is attracting increasing attention from institutions and citizens alike: local energy communities. In Spain, this participatory model of self-production and energy exchange is experiencing remarkable growth. Driven by citizen cooperatives, local councils and even companies, these initiatives could make Spain one of the European pioneers in this field.

According to the European RED II Directive (2018/2001), a renewable energy community is a legal entity that brings together citizens, local authorities or SMEs that produce, consume, store and share renewable energy at a local level. The aim is to give residents back control over their energy, while promoting short supply chains, transparency and sustainability.

This model is booming throughout the European Union, but Spain stands out for its legislative framework, which is now very favourable, and for the commitment of its territories.

Spain transposed the RED II Directive in 2020, with a set of royal decrees (in particular Royal Decree 244/2019) that facilitate collective self-consumption, shared facilities and the creation of energy communities.
In 2023, the Spanish government allocated €100 million to the CE IMPLEMENTA programme to support the development of energy communities throughout the country. This plan is part of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC), which aims to accelerate self-consumption and local energy sovereignty.

Founded in 2010 in Girona, Som Energia has become a benchmark model. This non-profit cooperative now has more than 85,000 members throughout Spain. It produces and supplies 100% renewable electricity from solar parks, wind farms and small hydroelectric power stations.
Som Energia does not just sell green energy: it actively involves its members in the participatory financing of new facilities, democratic governance and raising awareness about energy efficiency. A social, economic and environmental model that is acclaimed throughout the peninsula.

Beyond cooperatives, numerous local communities in Spain are actively engaged in energy communities.

With more than 300 energy communities in development or already operational, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO), Spain is now one of the most dynamic countries in Europe in this field, alongside Germany and the Netherlands.

Spain’s success is based on three pillars: political will, a clear legislative framework and strong citizen mobilisation. This model could inspire other European countries seeking decentralised and inclusive solutions to achieve their climate goals.

Conclusion

Faced with volatile energy markets, climate pressure and growing inequalities, local energy communities are emerging as a concrete, citizen-led and sustainable response. Thanks to pioneers such as Som Energia and its ambitious regional initiatives, Spain is building a new, more democratic and resilient energy architecture.

What if tomorrow every neighbourhood, every town became an energy producer? In Spain, that future is already underway.