Valencia is Green Capital in 2024, a title which recognises the longstanding pioneer in sustainability. The city council does aim for a transformation that meets environmental criteria as much as social ones. Its outstanding support to energy communities and the special focus on the weakest residents, suffering from energy poverty, ill-health or other social disadvantageous, make Valencia a “fair transition” living lab. The experiences gathered in the city, both in winter and in summer, should also help other local authorities advance on energy solutions that benefit all parts of the population. As a member of the Sun4 All Community of Practice, València Clima i Energia a city-owned foundation and Las Naves, the municipal centre of social and urban innovation explore various pathways around shared energy and social business models.
“València has committed to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 and for that, promoting locally owned renewable energy generation is key. Including an energy vulnerability perspective in our collective self-consumption models represents a huge opportunity for the city to promote a fairer and more inclusive energy transition”, said Carlos Sánchez Cerveró, Managing Director at the Valencia Climate and Energy Municipal Foundation. “Sun4All Community of Practice is a perfect environment to exchange with sister cities and expert partners from all around Europe and continue learning from each other in this challenging path.”
While progress is underway, defining eligibility criteria and engaging vulnerable households remain significant tasks. Technical assistance and legal support from experts have been crucial in navigating challenges and fostering municipal support for these initiatives.
Looking ahead, 2024 will be a challenging year with the project implementation and advocacy to new elected representatives. The city aims to continue expanding services, advocating for its local action plan against energy poverty, and executing initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable households. Timing, resources, and ongoing support from Sun4All and mentors will be pivotal in these efforts.
Read more about it on the Sun4All website.
