As part of POWER-E-COM,Montilla Renovable is a very inspiring initiative demonstrating how energy communities can drive local change. Montilla Renovable is an energy community created by and for the people of Montilla, a municipality in the province of Córdoba, Spain. Founded in 2022 as a non-profit association, the initiative was launched entirely through the motivation and collaboration of local citizens who wanted to actively shape a fair and sustainable energy future for their town.
From the very beginning, Montilla Renovable has been fully independent—without the involvement of public institutions or private companies—ensuring that the community’s purpose remains focused on the common good and not on commercial interests. Today, Montilla Renovable brings together 78 members and continues to grow, united by the ambition to build a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient local energy system.
From Vision to Action: Developing the First Solar Project
Montilla Renovable is currently participating in the “CE Implementa” funding programme, which supports the development of citizen-led renewable energy projects across Spain. As part of this effort, the community is working on its first major initiative: a 75 kW rooftop solar installation on a municipal building.
The project is made possible through a strong partnership with the local council, which has provided access to several public rooftops for the installation of solar systems. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to renewable energy and social innovation at the municipal level.
The 75 kW system is just the beginning. For Montilla Renovable, this project serves as the foundation for broader plans to expand renewable energy production in the town, while inspiring further community-led initiatives.
More Than Renewable Energy: A Social Mission
While clean, local energy is at the core of Montilla Renovable’s work, the community’s vision goes far beyond electricity production. A key pillar of the project is its strong focus on social solidarity.
One of Montilla Renovable’s defining features is its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are shared fairly. To achieve this, 10% of all electricity generated by the community’s installations is donated to the local council. This energy is then distributed to support families in Montilla who are experiencing energy poverty, helping to reduce their electricity costs and improve their quality of life.
By integrating social goals directly into its business model, Montilla Renovable uses renewable energy as a tool for social justice, working to make sure that no one in the community is left behind.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Mobility and Beyond
Montilla Renovable’s ambitions don’t stop with solar power. The community is also laying the groundwork for future projects in sustainable mobility, with ideas to improve connections between Montilla and nearby Córdoba through better cycling infrastructure and alternative transport options.
These initiatives reflect a broader strategy: to develop integrated solutions that combine renewable energy, clean transportation, and local development, strengthening the community’s resilience in the face of social and environmental challenges.
A Genuine Community Effort
Across Spain and Europe, the concept of “energy communities” is gaining momentum. However, many of these initiatives are driven by large corporations or traditional energy companies. Montilla Renovable stands apart as a truly grassroots project, created entirely by local citizens for the benefit of their own community.
Their story shows how people can take control of their own energy future—creating not just clean power, but also lasting social value and community empowerment.
👉 Watch the full video to discover how Montilla Renovable is turning community energy into a reality in Andalusia.
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