Moving towards an energy system based on renewable energies, in line with the commitments of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the seventh Sustainable Development Goal on clean and affordable energy, Spain has planned its renewable energy deployment with the aim of putting citizens at the centre of the system, thus facilitating the maximisation of the full potential of transforming the energy system into a decentralised model based on flexible and accessible technologies. Similar experiences are being replicated around the world to turn the energy transition into a tool for citizen empowerment.
Objectives:
- The energy transition, and in particular the deployment of renewable generation technologies, presents an opportunity for a transformation of energy systems that puts the citizen at the heart of the process. The flexibility and accessibility of renewables make it possible to replace centralised generation models, which are based on large installations owned by a few agents and in which the citizen can only assume the role of consumer, with highly distributed models. These models not only allow the citizen to be a self-sufficient consumer, but also offer the possibility of being a producer.
- This session will examine how the energy transition can be used as a means of empowering citizens by providing access to clean, affordable energy in remote areas, strengthening community resilience and creating new revenue streams for local communities.
Moderator
Lara Lázaro Touza,.Senior Analyst. Real Instituto Elcano
Dialogue:
- Patrick Tonui. Head of Policy and Regional Strategy. Gogla.
- Lara Lázaro Touza. Senior Analyst. Elcano Royal Institute.
- Isabela del Alcázar. Chief Purpose and Sustainability Officer. IE.
- Walburga Hemetsberger. CEO. Solar Europe.
- Eugene Nforngwa. Lead Policy ExPert. Just Transition and Energy Access. PanAfrican Action Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).