From Parking Lot to Power Source: Community PV Workshop Held in Maó

Maó. Image: visitmenorca.com

On 18 October 2024, CIMe hosted a workshop in Maó focused on community photovoltaic (PV) self-consumption, in collaboration with the IBE (The Institut Balear de l’Energia, IBE, or Balearic Energy Institute). The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts to promote local participation in the energy transition and to explore new models for sharing renewable energy at the community level.

During the session, IBE presented its plans to develop a new PV installation in a parking area in Maó. The electricity generated by the plant will be shared with residents living within a two-kilometre radius of the site, enabling households to benefit directly from locally produced renewable energy. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs for citizens while supporting the wider transition toward a more sustainable and decentralized energy system.

The workshop was held at the local Neighborhood Association office and was attended by around 20 residents from the city of Maó. Discussions focused on the practical aspects of community energy sharing, including how self-consumption schemes work, who can participate, and what economic and environmental benefits they can offer. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives on local renewable energy initiatives.

Overall, the workshop highlighted strong local interest in community-based solar energy solutions and demonstrated how collaboration between public institutions and citizens can play a key role in advancing the clean energy transition at the local level.