Candelaria Takes a Leap Towards Sustainable Energy
The Candelaria Town Council has officially approved the creation of the municipality’s first energy community, giving the green light to its founding statutes. The local government described this as “an essential step for its formal creation and for launching the local energy community model that this Town Council has been promoting.” This move is a direct response to the European Union’s ambitious goals for decarbonization and the transition towards a more sustainable energy system, one where consumers and local entities play a leading role.
Funding a Greener Future
In this framework, the Government of the Canary Islands has issued grants to promote the creation and operation of energy communities, financed by European Next Generation EU funds. The Candelaria Town Council is benefiting from this call for proposals, “assuming the commitment to establish and join this local energy community, a requirement to access the aid granted” by the regional government.
Public Benefits and Local Opportunities
As seen in other parts of the island, the establishment of this energy community “responds to clear reasons of public utility and general interest.” These goals focus on encouraging citizens to use renewable energy, reducing polluting emissions, implementing measures against energy poverty, and promoting a more democratic and participatory energy model. Furthermore, it will generate local economic and social opportunities by creating added value, promoting new investments, and fostering social cohesion.
A Non-Profit Model for Citizen Participation
The statutes define a non-profit association that is open, participatory, and transparent. Among its primary objectives are contributing to the municipality’s energy sustainability, promoting the production and self-consumption of renewable energy by residents, businesses, and the administration, and driving decarbonization. The community will also support households in situations of energy vulnerability, promote sustainable mobility, and implement renewable generation installations and energy efficiency projects.
Joining a Growing Movement
The approval of the statutes allows the formal start of the necessary work to get this strategic project off the ground. “With this, Candelaria joins local initiatives that are advancing towards a cleaner, fairer energy model that is closer to the citizens, fulfilling European commitments and contributing to a real energy transition from the municipal level,” stated the local government. Municipal administrations report that other towns like Adeje and El Rosario already have operational energy communities with highly positive results.
