Winds of Change: The Social Transformation Driven by Renewables

Renewable energies have become a cornerstone in the fight against climate change, offering the promise of a cleaner, more sustainable future. But their benefits extend beyond reducing carbon emissions. These projects provide local communities and ecosystems with a range of tangible advantages, generating a positive social impact that goes beyond environmental and economic factors.

What will you learn in this article?

• Social and economic development
• Agriculture and renewables
• Wind tourism
• Falces: A small town powered by the wind

Renewable energies, a neighbor more in the communities

Renewables bring social transformation to areas like education, culture, entrepreneurship, and even tourism. In communities where clean energy projects have been set up, the benefits go far beyond just producing energy.

Job creation is one of the most immediate and positive impacts. It starts with training local residents, giving them the skills needed to take part in constructing and operating renewable projects. This not only supports local employment but also boosts the community’s economy and promotes social and professional development in a future-forward industry.

Looking at the numbers, 2023 saw the largest global increase in jobs in the renewable energy sector, growing from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million, according to the report Renewable Energy and Jobs: Annual Review 2024 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The impact of renewables reaches further still. In the areas around these projects, support is provided to sectors like agriculture, livestock, and even tourism.

Agriculture and energy: an alliance at La Bobia-San Isidro

In northern Spain, the La Bobia-San Isidro wind farm in Asturias demonstrates how clean energy can coexist with a thriving agricultural landscape. Beneath the wind turbines, horses and cows graze freely, alongside an experimental agricultural center that fosters innovation and knowledge.

During the summer, Illano—the municipality where the farm is located—becomes a hub of activity. Even in the harshest winter months, the area remains alive thanks to the wind farm maintenance workers. The benefits are clear: the wind farms generate income for the community, and they keep roads in top condition, which is vital for both livestock farmers and tourists, even when snow plowing is needed.

A similar case can be found in Villalba del Rey, Spain, where ACCIONA Energía is leading an initiative to modernize the local oil cooperative in a region already home to several renewable energy installations. This project aims to rejuvenate the agricultural sector, improve production processes, and increase efficiency. As a result, the quality of the final product is improved, benefiting local producers and boosting their competitiveness in the marketplace.

Wind tourism, a new perspective

The intersection of tourism and renewable energy is creating new possibilities for sustainable development. This is the vision behind Vientos de Futuro, which offers 10 wind energy routes through rural Spain. This guide aims to blend tourism with wind energy, providing a unique view of how these two sectors can coexist and thrive.

The guide features 10 routes designed to promote sustainability and environmental respect. These paths, accessible by foot or bike, allow visitors to explore rural Spain, especially in regions like Aragon, Asturias, Castile and Leon, Catalonia, Galicia, and Navarre. Visitors can discover landscapes rich in cultural, historical, and gastronomic value, where wind energy plays a vital role.

Falces, a small wind-driven village

Falces is a prime example of how wind energy has become a key part of community life in Spain. For over two decades, wind energy has powered this small town in Navarra, providing jobs and economic progress that have helped combat depopulation.

With just 2,300 residents, the plains of this town are home to the Vedadillo (49.5 MW capacity) and Moncayuelo (48 MW) wind farms, along with the Vedadillo Experimental (9 MW), where ACCIONA Energía tests the latest wind turbine technologies. These three facilities have reshaped the local economy, tying it to clean technologies and strengthening its role in the energy transition.

Valentín García, who served as mayor for eight years and is now a councilman, highlights: “It was a great decision to install the wind farms, as they provide nearly 20% of our municipal budget. This allows our residents to enjoy more cultural events, better festivals, improved urban planning—in short, a level of services that wouldn’t be possible without the windmills.” He also points out that “wind farms are a bet for the future, both ecologically and economically.”

In recognition of this successful integration, the Spanish Wind Energy Association awarded Falces the Eolo Award for Rural Integration of Wind Energy in 2015. This award celebrates Falces as a model of how wind energy can be successfully integrated into rural communities, with benefits that go far beyond energy production.

In conclusion, renewable energies are proving to be a force for transformation beyond mere energy generation and economic gains. When integrated through dialogue with local communities, they become a pillar not only in fighting climate change but also in fostering sustainable and resilient development that delivers a positive social impact.