Som Energia (Spain): Energy Democracy in Practice
Section outline
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Founded in Catalonia in 2010, Som Energia has grown into one of Europe’s most emblematic citizen-led energy cooperatives. With over 85,000 members, it supplies green electricity across Spain, develops solar and biogas installations, and reinvests profits into new community projects.
Key to its success is the cooperative’s emphasis on energy democracy. Members participate directly in governance, and transparency is built into every level of decision-making. Som Energia also invests in communication tools and training to ensure that members remain informed and engaged. In doing so, it has become more than a service provider—it has become a movement for energy justice and citizen empowerment.