Communities Lead a Clean Energy Revolution

In Spain, citizen-led energy cooperatives are transforming access to clean power, supplying affordable electricity to households and helping low-income families escape fuel poverty.

“We’re very proud that the government recognises us as pioneers,” said Eugeni Vila, president of Taradell Sostenible, a cooperative now powering more than 100 households, including vulnerable residents who can join for as little as €25.

Backed by €148.5 million in national funding, more than 200 energy communities are installing solar panels on schools, sports centres and municipal buildings to supply homes within a 2,000-metre radius. Diesel generators on remote islands are being replaced with solar systems, and similar projects are spreading nationwide. With solar self-generation up 17-fold since the end of the 2015 “sunshine tax,” Spain’s cooperatives are proving that renewable energy can drive both environmental progress and social equality.