Grids for Renewables project addresses need for collaboration to push energy transition in Spain

Red Eléctrica, Fundación Renovables and RGI (Renewables Grid Initiative) are joining forces on the Grids for Renewables project, aiming to address the energy transition in a holistic way, secure societal support for the construction of vital energy infrastructure and tap into demand-side management activities to optimise energy consumption.

Spain’s transmission system operator, climate and energy think-tank and collaborative NGO, respectively, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the ‘Redes para Renovables’ project, stating their shared commitment to actively work towards higher environmental and social standards for grid projects.

According to Red Eléctrica, developing both new generation and grid infrastructure will require space and expose an increasing amount of people to these developments. Consequently, existing conflicts will become more visible and most likely increase.

Thus, the project’s primary objective is to establish relationships between Red Eléctrica and diverse civil society groups across Spain, as well as to support citizens and municipalities moving forward towards a net-zero energy system.

The project is driven by the need to secure societal support for the construction of vital infrastructure required to meet Spain’s ambitious climate targets, which makes stakeholder engagement the main activity to be carried out throughout the project implementation.

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Moreover, the project extends its impact beyond stakeholder engagement:

• Provides support to municipalities in developing their own energy transition strategies, offering a comprehensive guide to navigate the complex journey.
• Includes Demand-Side Management (DSM) activities, underscoring the project’s commitment to optimising energy consumption efficiently.
• Aims to disseminate information and resources, contributing to the ongoing promotion of awareness and action in relation to the energy transition in Spain.

In bringing these different activities together in one project, ‘Redes para Renovables’ aims to address the energy transition, the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis in a holistic way – with people and nature at the core of decision-making.

Stated Fernando Ferrando Vitales, president of Fundación Renovables, in a release: “Electrification of our energy needs must be the pillar of our present and future commitment, and for this we need a robust and technologically adapted electric grid.

“To realise this, we must involve society and communicate the opportunities that lie ahead, as the ‘Redes para Renovables’ project intends to do. By creating channels for open and honest dialogue, we will make significant progress in responsible energy consumption and the decarbonisation of the economy.”

Added Beatriz Corredor, chairwoman of Redeia, parent company of Red Eléctrica, who emphasizes the importance of “promoting grid reinforcement because there is no transition without transmission. But we have to do it together with the entire territory.

“We have to listen and dialogue with the communities so that the development of these infrastructures is consistent with the enhancement of their living conditions. This is the only way to build future grids.”