Iberdrola celebrated the winners of its Convive Awards in Paredes de Nava, Palencia, recognizing eight standout projects that showcase the harmonious integration of clean energy with environmental, agricultural, and social progress. These initiatives highlight the benefits of the energy transition for rural areas, including job creation and sustainable development.
Advancing Clean Energy in Rural Areas
Ignacio Galán, Chairman of Iberdrola, emphasized the transformative impact of green energy. “Today, we honor bold commitments to the energy transition. These projects not only advance industry and employment but also foster a more just and sustainable society,” Galán remarked. He highlighted Iberdrola’s dedication to working collaboratively with local administrations and communities to make the energy transition both tangible and equitable.
Recognizing Excellence: Convive Award Winners
In its second edition, the Convive Awards, held in partnership with the Center for Innovation in Technology for Human Development at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (itdUPM), celebrated achievements across multiple categories:
- Innovative Solutions and Research: Spanish Network for Sustainable Development (REDS-SDSN) and Ocean Ecostructures.
- Social and Business Entrepreneurship: Electrical Techniques and Installations Salamanca (Tecinsa).
- Communication and Awareness: Prensa Ibérica.
- Youth Initiative: Patricia Rebollo, a shepherdess integrating traditional practices with clean energy at a photovoltaic plant in Ceclavín, Cáceres.
- Local Entities and Citizen Participation: Paredes de Nava Town Council and La Serna Town Council, both in Palencia.
- Special Biodiversity Award: The Biodiversity and Global Change Research Center (CIBC-UAM) at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
Event Highlights
The awards ceremony brought together prominent figures, including Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, President of the Regional Government of Castilla y León; Luis Antonio Calderón, Mayor of Paredes de Nava; Ángeles Armisén, President of the Provincial Council of Palencia; Mario Ruiz-Tagle, CEO of Iberdrola España; and Carlos Fernández Carriedo, Minister of Economy for Castilla y León.
The winners were selected by an independent jury composed of experts in environmental sustainability and renewable energy. Members included Carlos Mataix (itdUPM), María García de la Fuente (APIA), José Carlos Díez (University of Alcalá), Víctor Viñuales (ECODES), Elena Pita (Biodiversity Foundation), Ana Barreira (IIDMA), and Juan José Álvarez (ASAJA).
Iberdrola’s Convive Program: Living in Harmony with Nature
The Convive Program, established by Iberdrola, aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy in Spain while enhancing its benefits for local communities, biodiversity, and rural areas. This initiative focuses on creating sustainable partnerships and fostering long-term relationships with local stakeholders to maximize the positive impact of renewable energy projects.
The program operates on three core pillars:
- Socio-Economic Development: Supporting initiatives that drive economic growth and social progress at local and national levels.
- Biodiversity Protection: Ensuring renewable energy facilities integrate seamlessly into their surroundings while enhancing biodiversity.
- Collaboration and Learning: Engaging with experts, institutions, and communities to improve the societal acceptance of clean energy projects and refine best practices.
Inspiring Initiatives
Iberdrola’s Convive Program demonstrates the practical integration of renewables into rural life. Examples include:
- Combining livestock and agricultural activities with clean energy installations.
- Advancing agrovoltaics to optimize land use for both agriculture and energy production.
- Promoting beekeeping near solar farms to enhance biodiversity.
- Establishing energy communities and assisting municipalities in creating sustainable development plans.
- Partnering with local suppliers and fostering industrial innovation.
These actions reflect Iberdrola’s commitment to balancing renewable energy development with environmental stewardship and community growth.
