Project description
VACOE (Comunidad Energética, Comunidad energética de cristobal, Muñosol, Comunidad Energética de Juzbado), is an initiative operating in rural areas of Spain, with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable households and promoting an inclusive energy transition. Building on an operational model already implemented in the province of Salamanca, the initiative combines renewable energy deployment with cooperative governance and digital tools to enhance efficiency, citizen participation, and long-term sustainability.
VACOE actively contributes to the energy transition from rural areas, drawing on its extensive organisational and technological experience to consolidate energy communities as a key instrument for achieving a fair and inclusive transition. VACOE seeks to provide organisational, technical, and digital solutions specifically designed for small rural municipalities, with particular emphasis on Castilla y León, one of the European regions most affected by depopulation and ageing, where a large proportion of the territory is composed of municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
The initiative has already demonstrated that its model can be successfully replicated across different rural contexts, supporting the creation and consolidation of energy communities in several territories. Building on these positive results, VACOE aims to further expand and scale up this model so that renewable energy communities can reach many more rural areas, ensuring that no community is left behind in the energy transition.
- Challenges addressed
Despite the enormous potential of renewable energy communities, current renewable energy deployment and many energy transition initiatives are still primarily focused on urban areas and larger municipalities. Small rural communities are frequently overlooked, even though they face significant challenges related to depopulation, ageing, energy poverty, and limited access to technical expertise. This situation is particularly evident in the so-called "Empty Spain" ("España Vaciada"), where demographic decline and structural barriers often hinder the development of community-led energy projects.
Through the development and consolidation of renewable energy communities, VACOE aims not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also to tackle energy poverty, create local economic opportunities, strengthen the participation of local stakeholders, and foster social cohesion. By empowering citizens, local authorities, SMEs, and other territorial actors to actively participate in energy generation and management, VACOE contributes to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy system.
- Technology
The initiative integrates solar energy, storage and battery systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy efficiency measures.
- Support received under CEAH
With support from CEAH, the project is further optimising its technical systems—such as energy storage and demand management—while developing scalable financial and governance models for replication in new municipalities.
1. Specialised Training in Energy Communities
Addresses internal knowledge gaps within VACOE by providing a structured training programme on energy communities. It aims to align the expertise of promoter partners and technical staff through a comprehensive training pathway. Key deliverables include:- A Curriculum Content Report, detailing modules, learning objectives, and 60 hours of training material
- Certificates of Achievement, confirming successful completion of the training for participants
- Minutes of Session, summarising key insights from the tailored application workshop
2. Onboarding and Digitalisation for User Adhesion
Focuses on simplifying and standardising the process of onboarding new members into the energy community through digitisation and legal structuring. It ensures an efficient, compliant, and scalable approach to membership management. Key deliverables include:- ADigital Onboarding Procedure Manual, outlining end-to-end member onboarding processes
- Formal Accession Documents, including standardised contracts, GDPR clauses, and legal agreements ready for use
3. Business Plan for VACOE’s Sustainability
This activity develops a structured and financially viable business model to ensure the long-term sustainability of VACOE. It transforms informal activities into a professional service portfolio supported by clear monetisation strategies. Key deliverables include:- AVACOE Initial Business Plan, defining services, revenue models, cost structures, and overall economic sustainability strategy
More information on the initiative can be found here on their website: Red de Autoconsumo Eléctrico Colectivo y Sostenible | VACOE