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Alcoy Local Energy Community (LEC)

With the Local Energy Community (LEC) initiative, Alcoy aims to foster collaboration among local businesses and residents to transition towards renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. This collaborative effort creates a foundation for a stronger, more sustainable energy system that benefits both the economy and the environment. Through innovative energy practices and community involvement, Alcoy is paving the way for a greener future.

The initiative introduces innovative approaches to energy generation and consumption, emphasising decentralisation and community involvement. Through the establishment of LECs and the provision of consulting services, the city empowers stakeholders to take ownership of their energy production and consumption. By leveraging renewable energy technologies and fostering cooperation within the community, Alcoy introduces a model for sustainable energy transition that prioritises local resilience and self-sufficiency.

The ultimate goal of Alcoy’s energy communities is to transform businesses in Alcoy's industrial areas into self-sufficient entities, saving money for innovation and working together to reduce CO₂ emissions. By the time the LEC comes into operation, city officials expect it to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Innovative elements

Energy Communities
Local 'energy communities' promote collaboration among city residents and businesses by raising awareness of sharing renewable energy sources in between accessible areas and those with limited infrastructure.

Enablers

Alcoi Smart City Master Plan
Highlighted under the ‘Alcoi Smart City Master Plan’, the key elements that enabled the execution of some strategies include the government's determination and dedication to digital transformation, innovation, and the smart city model, besides a consensus among the ecosystem's stakeholders in shaping the digital transformation strategy.
Funding Contributions
ERDF funds and financing from different public agencies of the Generalitat Valenciana, in addition to Alcoy’s municipal financing, have helped support the implementation of the strategy.

Barriers challenges

Legislation and Bureaucracy
The primary obstacle for Alcoy’s LECs is the existing laws and red tape that drain the private sector's resources for collaboration, resulting in a lack of tangible projects. However, the municipality playing a supportive role can reduce the potential risks.
Technology and Infrastructure Investments
There is a substantial need for investment in infrastructure and technology to support renewable energy generation and distribution.
Project Facilitation Tools
The absence of tools that support and enhance the involvement and connections among various members of the local/territorial ecosystem may prove to be a challenge for the success of the initiative, as well as streamlining certain projects outlined in the digital transformation plan.

Themes

  • Citizen engagement and participation
  • Citizen engagement, participation and co-creation
  • Collaborative economy
  • Sectors

  • Energy and renewables
  • Energy efficiency
  • Government and public sector
  • Technology

  • Strategy/plan
  • Cities
    Countries