The Junta de Castilla-La Mancha and the Unión Española Fotovoltaica (UNEF) have announced the second Cumbre de Comunidades Energéticas, to be held on 24 September in Toledo. According to the regional government, the summit will promote energy communities as a key model for the energy transition and economic decarbonisation. It is regarded as one of the most significant gatherings of its kind in Spain.
Two success stories and new funding
Mercedes Gómez, Minister for Sustainable Development of the Junta de Castilla-La Mancha, highlighted successful projects such as the energy communities in Toledo’s historic centre and in Ballesteros de Calatrava. Both initiatives were recognised at the 2025 regional environmental awards.
Gómez also announced two new measures to strengthen support for energy communities. By the end of the year, a new funding programme financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will be launched for private individuals and companies. In addition, the regional energy consultancy will provide a free advisory service.
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Opportunities, challenges and potential
José Donoso, General Director of UNEF, noted that coordination among members of an energy community often presents challenges. However, Castilla-La Mancha, with its strong tradition in cooperative agriculture, is particularly well positioned to overcome these obstacles. “These cooperatives can serve as pioneers in harnessing clean, affordable energy and generating economic benefits that are reinvested in their services and growth,” he said. UNEF also emphasised the need for a specific legal framework, tax incentives and preferential financing to support the development of energy communities.
Castilla-La Mancha has become a frontrunner in collective self-consumption in recent years, with installed capacity increasing from 67 MW in 2019 to 888 MW. The region currently hosts 44 energy community projects, supported by a dedicated energy consultancy and several technical offices. “Energy communities are the next step in the democratisation of energy and play a central role in our region’s energy transition,” said Gómez. (nhp)
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