Redeia, through its subsidiary Red Eléctrica, which is responsible for electricity transmission and operation of the Spanish electricity system, and the Institut Balear del’ Energia (IBE), a part of the Conselleria d’Empresa, Ocupació i Energía del Govern de les Illes Balears (Department of Business, Employment and Energy of the Government of the Balearic Islands) has launched an educational and outreach programme. The project concerns the energy transition and measures to combat energy poverty linked to the energy community established at the CEIP Cervantes in Sant Antoni, the first public collective renewable self-consumption initiative on the island of Ibiza.

In addition to its educational aspect, which has been coordinated and validated with the school’s management, this project - jointly undertaken by Redeia and the IBE - has enabled access to the energy generated by the photovoltaic installation on the roof of the school for underprivileged families, who have been selected in collaboration with the Social Services department of the Sant Antoni City Council.

At a ceremony held at Sant Antoni City Hall this Thursday, the mayor, Marcos Serra, Redeia’s regional representative in the Balearic Islands, Eduardo Maynau, the manager of IBE, Hernando Rayo, joined by the director of CEIP Cervantes, Carlos Gómez, explained how they implemented this initiative that revolves around the community photovoltaic installation.

Since the installation at the CEIP became operational in September 2024, the educational programme has been implemented for students in Pre-School and Primary Education throughout the school year. The initiative will also continue into the 2025-2026 school year.

At present, a total of five vulnerable families are benefiting from the energy produced at the CEIP, with the cost of their annual membership fee to the energy community covered by Redeia. 

The collective consumption installation at CEIP Cervantes, with a power output of 100 kW, is supplying energy to the school, as well as three small businesses, two residential communities, and 36 nearby homes, including the five vulnerable households. A number of municipal services have also joined the energy community, including the City Council, the municipal library, CEIP Vara de Rei, and the C. Estrella Sports Ground.

The energy community is benefiting from savings of between 30 and 50 per cent on their electricity bills. The installation will produce 150,000 kWh per annum and save 67 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

The educational projects

The educational and outreach project for the energy transition at CEIP Cervantes has two parts: one designed for Early Years and Primary pupils and another for teachers and families. 

The overall aim is to promote a fair and inclusive energy transition and encourage the use of renewable energy. Its specific objectives include: explaining the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy; raising awareness of the different ways in which electricity is generated in Ibiza; discussing climate change and the energy transition; increasing awareness of socio-environmental issues associated with the use of fossil fuels; promoting efficient consumption and applying it at the CEIP and in households; inspiring students to be agents of change within their families and communities; understanding the self-consumption model of the school and its benefits; and explaining how the Balearic and peninsular systems operate. 

Over the course of the 24/25 and 25/26 school years, each group/class at the CEIP Cervantes will benefit from five in-person sessions tailored to their educational level. An active and participatory methodology has been chosen, which motivates students and enables them to learn content through research and practical activities.