The Sustainable Energy Forum celebrates its twenty-fifth edition as a space for reflection on the energy transition, focusing on rural areas and the challenges associated with the shift in the energy model.

This year, in a context of global transformation towards a more sustainable energy model, the FES (for it’s translation from Catalan “Forum de l’Energia Sostenible”) will focus on the impact of the energy transition on rural areas, a key sector on the path to a more territorially balanced, just, and equitable model for everyone. European projects such as Renoverty, Entrack and Tandem will provide an innovative perspective on the opportunities and challenges the transition presents for rural communities or those located outside urban areas.

This year’s forum will take place on April 25, 2025, at the Representation of the European Commission in Barcelona (Pg. de Gràcia, 90, 1st Floor), from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

A day in which we will have the participation of experts and representatives from the rural world, discussing topics such as the European Rural Pact, the impacts of the energy transition, rural energy planning, as well as the challenge of energy rehabilitation at the local level.

Join us for this session and contribute your vision on how to drive the energy transition in rural areas and ensure its sustainability!

• 09:30h | Welcome. With Manuel Szapiro, Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Barcelona, and Joana Mundó, Director at Ecoserveis.

• 09:45h | Energy transition: European policies for rural development. With Enrique Nieto, expert in European rural and territorial development policies.

• 10:00h | From the European Rural Pact to the Catalan Rural Agenda. With Albert Puigvert (ARCA).

• 10:15h | Impacts of the energy transition on rural areas. Presentation of results from the Tandem project by Camila Canelas (Ecoserveis), and round table with Marc Cadevall (AMEP); Maria Crehuet (XSE and Association of Small Villages of Catalonia); and Albert Vendrell (Barcelona Provincial Council).

• 11:00h | Coffee Break

• 11:30h | Energy planning in rural areas. With David Solà (Mayor of Sant Quirze de Besora); Maria Carme Freixa (Ateneu Terres Gironines); Carme Melcion (Barcelona Provincial Council); and Carina Creixans (Ripollès Development Agency). Moderated by Àngels Guiteras (LEADER Ripollès Ges Bisaura Association).

• 12:15h | The challenge of energy renovation at the local level. With Sergio López (Association for Rural Development of Central Catalonia); Pau Pañella (ALEO – Osona County Council) and Raquel Rodríguez (Renoverty). Moderated by Elisenda Cleries (Ecoserveis).

• 13:00h | Closing remarks