‘Solarisation’ of public space with social use of energy

The project

Law 10/2019 on climate change and the energy transition in the Balearic Islands establishes energy efficiency targets of 40% by 2050 and a 100% penetration of renewable energies. This would allow an overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, thus achieving the climate targets of the Paris Agreement. However, the Balearic Islands continue to have a low level of renewable energy implantation, so the process needs to be accelerated.

Furthermore, the war in Ukraine has highlighted the enormous fragility and dependence of the Balearic energy system, which makes it necessary to democratise access to energy. In this sense, renewable energies become an essential tool for combating climate change, at the same time lowering electricity bills and guaranteeing greater resilience of energy supply in the face of geopolitical conflicts.

At the same time, this law prioritises the use of renewable energy in urban areas, with the aim of minimising land consumption. Regulations on self-consumption allow the connection of renewable energy installations for consumers located within a radius of 500 metres via the distribution networks without having to pay a fee. This enables renewable energy to be harnessed in a similar way to when installations are located directly on the roofs of buildings.

This project aims to promote shared self-consumption projects located in urban environments, such as roofs and public spaces, schools and car parks. Thus, most of the energy used is destined for private individuals and companies in the surrounding area, helping to reduce their electricity bills. In addition, the operation of the facilities will give neighbourhoods access to electricity at cost price, allowing annual savings of around €300 on electricity bills.