Section outline

  • The cooperative Balenyà Sostenible in Catalonia is an example of rapid growth and remarkable impact. Established only in 2021, it has successfully launched numerous projects, from installing solar panels to creating a district heating system.

    The Financial Model:

    The secret to its swift development lies in a diversified and proactive financial strategy. From the outset, the community did not rely on a single funding source but built a solid mix:

    ·   Public Funds as a Springboard: They actively sought and secured public funding at both national (like the CE Implementa programs) and European levels (Next Generation EU, Horizon 2020). This provided the essential initial capital to start the first projects and lend credibility to the initiative.

    ·    Direct Community Involvement: To supplement public grants and finance further investments, they used grassroots financing tools like crowdlending. This allowed local citizens and supporters to lend money to the project, strengthening the bond with the territory and fostering a sense of shared ownership.

    ·     Private Funding: To complete the financial picture, they accessed private funds to ensure full cost coverage for their ambitious projects.

    In essence, Balenyà demonstrates how early access to public funds, combined with the ability to mobilize private and community capital, can exponentially accelerate a REC’s growth.