Video: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/De826_RTmVf/">@energiadelprat / IG</a>
Energia del Prat has expanded its citizen energy project to supply clean solar power during daylight hours to around 1,500 homes in El Prat de Llobregat, making it the largest residential-focused energy community in Catalonia, according to El Periódico Barcelona.
The initiative, which began in 2023, now operates 19 collective photovoltaic installations, up from four, generating 1 MW (1,000 kWp) of solar energy across the municipality. The launch event took place on Thursday 29th October on the roof of Jaume Balmes school, one of the network’s sites.
Residents and businesses can join without installing panels or making upfront investments.
You just have to join the citizen community and connect to one of the photovoltaic roofs in its network,
the group told El Periódico Barcelona. Energy prices are set at 50% below standard retail rates.
The non-profit entity is jointly owned by El Prat Town Hall (40%), local companies including Fundesplai and Grup Esteve (40%), and a citizens’ association (20%). It has operated at a loss during development, funded by founding partners.
Plans for Night-Time Supply
Currently, supply is limited to daylight hours. However, the community is one of five government-backed pilot sites testing energy storage systems.
The moment we can have batteries, we will be able to offer our own renewable energy at night at the same price as during the day,
said councilor Esther García, speaking to El Periódico Barcelona.
Future plans include monetising energy efficiency via Energy Efficiency Certificates (CAE), managing the municipal electric vehicle fleet, and promoting aerothermal heating systems.
Sources: El Periódico.
