Project description
The Payoya Energy Community, based in Villaluenga del Rosario, Spain, is a citizen-led initiative focused on promoting a fair and inclusive energy transition in a rural setting. The project aims to enable shared self-consumption of renewable energy, reduce energy costs and strengthen citizen participation, while paying particular attention to the fight against energy poverty. It operates within a sensitive natural environment, balancing energy development with the preservation of local heritage and ecosystems.
- Challenges addressed
The initiative addresses local challenges such as ageing populations, limited access to innovative energy solutions, socio-economic vulnerability, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, offering a simple and replicable model for rural communities and is primarily based on solar energy systems.
- Technology
The initiative is focusing on Solar PV rooftop installations on publicly owned rooftops, with an aim to promote self-consumption activities through strategically located generation points that preserve both the urban and natural environment.
- Support received under CEAH
With CEAH support, the project is advancing technical feasibility studies, legal structuring and financial planning to enable the deployment and management of its first photovoltaic installations. It also seeks to strengthen community engagement as well as governance and management capacity.
1. Technical Advice: Analysis of Technical Feasibility, Supply and Generation Potential
This activity assesses the technical viability of expanding renewable generation across multiple locations, consolidating dispersed data and validating whether existing and planned assets can meet local demand. It provides a clear technical baseline and implementation roadmap. Key deliverables include:- A Technical Feasibility and Supply Report, validating generation capacity, maximum installable power (kWp), and coverage potential for users and the municipality
- ATechnical Implementation Schedule, outlining key milestones and steps for the deployment and integration of planned and operational facilities
2. Financial Advice: Economic Model and Savings Projection
This activity develops a structured financial framework to ensure the sustainable operation of the energy community, including cost estimation, pricing models, and return analysis. It supports clear communication of economic benefits to potential members. Key deliverables include:- Economic Operating Plan, detailing CAPEX, OPEX, maintenance costs, and overall financial structure
- A Matrix of Fees and Savings by Profile, comparing expected savings across different user types (e.g. municipality, households, SMEs, vulnerable groups)
3. Supporting Stakeholder Engagement: Organising the Constituent Assembly
This activity supports the public launch of the energy community and promotes citizen engagement through a structured outreach and assembly process. It aims to build a strong social base and facilitate the recruitment of new members. Key deliverables include:- Meeting Agenda and Materials, including presentations and engagement content tailored to local stakeholders
- A Report on Assembly Results, summarising participation, key discussions, and outcomes
- Photos, documenting the event
- An Expression of Interest Form, collecting data from potential members to support follow-up and onboarding
More information on the initiative can be found here on their website: N/A