Som Energia: Empowering Communities with Renewable Power

Som Energia is a community-owned renewable energy cooperative that's making a real difference in the world. They're based in Catalonia, Spain, and have been around since 2010.

Their mission is to empower communities with renewable power, and they're doing just that by providing clean energy to over 15,000 homes and businesses. This is a significant number, and it's a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Som Energia's approach is unique in that they involve their members in the decision-making process, making sure that everyone has a say in how the cooperative is run. This not only fosters a sense of community but also ensures that the cooperative is working for the benefit of its members.

A different take: Aventine Renewable Energy

Som Energia's growth is a remarkable story, with over 5,000 new members joining in just six months in 2017. This rapid expansion was largely due to a strong winter that led to rising energy bills.

The cooperative's president, Marc Rosello, noted that some members signed up with a political aim to create a post-fossil fuel economic order and experiment with new forms of grassroots democracy. Others were simply dissatisfied with their electricity supplier.

Many members were already involved in other cooperatives or political initiatives and became interested in the question of energy. This shows the power of community-driven initiatives in driving change.

Som Energia's projects are primarily focused on renewable energy, with a mix of photovoltaic, biogas, and mini-hydroelectric power plants. They also explore biomass and small-scale wind energy projects.

The cooperative's members invest in these projects through voluntary participation in the social capital or participatory titles. This approach allows them to have a direct say in the decision-making process.

In 2012, Som Energia successfully raised 3.5 million euros through the first capital collection, with 794 members investing. This achievement set a precedent for future fundraising efforts.

The cooperative's growth and success are evident in its ability to generate 17 GWh of electricity per year by 2019, thanks to its various installations.

Check this out: Cassa Centrale Banca - Credito Cooperativo Italiano

To become a member of Som Energia, you need to deposit €100 into the co-operative's social capital. This deposit has helped the co-operative grow to over 2,786 members, with a social capital of €260,000.

The co-operative started selling green energy in October 2011, buying electricity from the market and selling it to its members. This renewable energy is certified through a government-supervised system of certificates of origin.

Most big electricity companies also offer green energy, but what sets Som Energia apart is its goal to produce 100% of its members' consumption via new renewable production projects. The co-operative aims to achieve this through projects owned and financed by its members.

215 members have invested €638,000 in the co-operative's projects, and the average contribution is expected to fall to €2,500 per member in the long term. This will help the co-operative open 10-year investment bonds to its members by the end of June.

The co-operative has already purchased a 100kW solar panel project and a 500kW biogas project, with construction on the biogas project set to start within the next week. The total investment in these projects stands at €2.2 million.

Check this out: Terminating Deposit

Som Energia's commitment to renewable energy is impressive, with a focus on community-driven projects that benefit its members and the environment. The cooperative has successfully implemented various renewable energy projects across Spain.

One of the cooperative's first projects was a 100 kW solar project on an industrial building in Lleida, which was fully functional by April 2012. This project was just the beginning of Som Energia's efforts to produce 100% renewable energy from hydroelectric, solar, biomass, and wind power.

Som Energia's renewable energy projects are diverse, with a majority being photovoltaic, as well as a biogas plant and a mini-hydroelectric power station. The cooperative also explores biomass and small-scale wind energy projects. These projects are financed through member investments, either through voluntary participation in the cooperative's capital or through participatory shares.

Here are some of the cooperative's notable renewable energy projects:

In addition to solar energy, Som Energia has also implemented a biogas cogeneration project in Torregrosa, which produces 499 kW of electricity and 540 kW of thermal energy, as well as treating 27,000 tons of organic waste per year.

Som Energia has received numerous awards and recognition for their efforts in promoting renewable energy and environmental protection. They have been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Premio Eurosolar España and Premio Eurosolar Europa, both in the category of "organizaciones locales o regionales de apoyo a las energías renovables".

Som Energia has also been recognized for their commitment to environmental protection, receiving the Premio Medio Ambiente in the category "Iniciativas de protección y mejora del entorno". They have also been awarded the Premio EcoSi, which recognizes individuals and entities that work to promote ecological culture.

Some of their notable awards include the VI Premios EnerAgen, which are national energy awards given by the Asociación de Agencias Españolas de Gestión de la Energía, and the Premio del Público de la REAS.

Curious to learn more? Check out: De La Rue

Som Energia, a Spanish energy cooperative, has been fighting against a government law that imposes a "sun tax" on operators of PV installations since November 2013.

This law marks a shift in Spanish energy policy from ignoring to openly hostile towards small-scale energy producers, who typically invest in PV installations.

The cooperative is looking for pilot projects that demonstrate the feasibility of small-scale energy production and consumption without governmental funding.

These pilot projects will involve small-scale PV installations with battery storage for self-consumption.

Som Energia's efforts are part of a larger movement promoting decentralization, participation, and investment in renewable energy.

Here are some key characteristics of the cooperative and its approach:

Our team has been recognized for our hard work and dedication to sustainability. We've received several prestigious awards that acknowledge our efforts in promoting renewable energy and protecting the environment.

We were awarded the Premio Eurosolar España in the category "organizaciones locales o regionales de apoyo a las energías renovables" and the Premio Eurosolar Europa in the same category. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

We've also received the Premio Medio Ambiente for our initiatives in protecting and improving the environment. This award is a great honor and motivates us to continue our work in this area.

Some of our notable awards include:

Som Energia has a significant number of members who collaborate voluntarily in the development of the project, organized into local groups and working commissions.

These local groups promote the project and raise awareness about the need for a participatory transition to renewable energy sources across the country through presentations and by seeking out renewable energy projects in their local area.

By May 2025, there were 54 local groups spread out across Spain, with a large number of them based in Catalonia.

The working commissions are organized around specific topics, such as electricity commercialization, projects (solar photovoltaic energy, wind energy, etc.), communication, education, and more.

Som Energia has a strong focus on education and offers an annual school in September that provides training and discussion on cooperative energy.

If this caught your attention, see: CPFL Energia

The cooperative also hosts an annual gathering of local groups, providing a space for members to come together and share their experiences.

This level of participation and involvement is key to Som Energia's success and helps to ensure that the cooperative remains true to its values and goals.

In addition to these regular gatherings, Som Energia's members are also encouraged to participate in temporary working groups (GTTs) to address specific problems and challenges.

These GTTs allow members to come together and work on projects such as self-consumption and energy poverty, providing a sense of community and shared purpose.

Readers also liked: Members Cooperative Credit Union Cloquet Minnesota