O Rosal offering a concrete blueprint for rural energy communities

O Rosal, a rural municipality in Galicia, Spain, has been working in the past few years to redefine its relationship with energy.

Through this effort, O Rosal Enerxía was founded. Born from a desire to promote local savings, energy sovereignty, and active citizen participation, this project has evolved into a model of collaborative sustainability. With the support of over one hundred engaged citizens and strategic municipal leadership, O Rosal is transitioning away from a traditional consumer of (fossil-based) energy to a proactive producer of renewable energy resources. 

Setting sustainability as a model for the region

The creation of the energy community was prompted by the local Municipality, that is working on a cross-cutting green strategy integrating sustainability into every area of local competence, based on the municipal SECAP.

Central to this effort is the establishment of a Community Transformation Office (OTC), functioning as One-Stop Shop to guide residents, associations, and neighbours through the complexities of becoming energy "prosumers." The administration has already implemented tangible measures, including the renovation of schools for energy efficiency, the recovery of public spaces using non-polluting materials, and the transformation of public lighting to reduce light pollution and achieve a 70% energy saving. These actions are designed to create a sustainable, respectful, and responsible model for the entire region.

Transforming vision in reality

While the OTC was funded though NextGenerationEU funds, it's the Life EC4Rural project the pivotal engine for its technical and social development. In partnership with the University of Vigo, EC4Rural provided the essential expertise and financial backing needed to navigate the complex legal and technical landscape of energy communities. 

This European initiative did not just offer funding; it facilitated the creation of a robust "one-stop shop" by enabling training programs, feasibility studies for photovoltaic installations, and direct dialogue with regional and European entities. The project's support was instrumental in overcoming the initial setback of missing out on LEADER-FEADER funding, allowing O Rosal to rely on expert networks and local leadership to strengthen its social foundation. Ultimately, EC4Rural transformed the municipality's vision into a reality with a solid technical, economic, and legal basis.

Credits: Municipality of O Rosal

Challenges 

The path to establishing a functional energy community required overcoming significant technical, legal, and economic hurdles. The municipality had to adapt its advisory services to build trust among diverse audiences, ranging from technical experts to general residents. It was overcome through consistent communication, transparency and, above all, determination and perseverance. 

A notable challenge was the failure to secure specific funding for a photovoltaic project through the LEADER-FEADER program. However, this setback proved to be a catalyst for resilience; the shared goal strengthened community ties, leading the municipality to rely more heavily on local leaders and experts attracted by the project's momentum, thereby deepening the social fabric of the initiative.

Current challenges include strengthening the initiative's autonomy by reducing dependence on the municipality, fostering connections and learning from other active initiatives in our region, but mainly implementing tangible energy initiatives that showcase the real results of these efforts.

Next steps and replication potential 

With the Community Transformation Office fully operational and two new energy communities on the verge of formation, O Rosal is focused on finalising its local action plan to meet its 2030 emission targets. The initiative has already demonstrated significant replication potential, drawing attention from neighbouring municipalities. Recently, the town of Nigrán sent a delegation to study O Rosal’s energy office and sustainability strategy first-hand. 

By combining the strategic support of the EC4Rural project, academic collaboration with the University of Vigo, and deep community engagement, O Rosal offers a concrete, scalable blueprint for other municipalities seeking to achieve energy sovereignty and environmental sustainability.

O Rosal, Spain

O Rosal Enerxía

Stage of implementation: Almost operational

 

Type of Activities

Energy sharing

Energy Figures

Total capacity installed:  Less than 100 kWp

Type of support from the Municipality

• Facilitation: setting targets, and permits
• Support: access to public roofs/land, and administrative support
• Direct involvement: promoter of the energy community

Covenant Figures

• Signatory to the Covenant of Mayors since: 2019
• Emission reduction ambitions: 
  40 % GHG emissions reductions by 2030

Additional information

• O Rosal' s OTC