My master’s thesis, “Energy Communities in Rural Municipalities of Spain: A Case Study on Their Context and Current Challenges,” examines the barriers faced by rural energy communities (ECs) from an anthropological perspective—an approach rarely explored in renewable energy research.

Through a combination of literature review and ethnographic fieldwork in O Rosal, Galicia, I uncover not only the financial, administrative, and social challenges that hinder the adoption of ECs but also additional, undocumented obstacles. My research highlights the importance of understanding local communities’ needs and perspectives, emphasizing ECs as a potential tool for sustainable energy transitions in rural areas.

My master’s thesis, “Energy Communities in Rural Municipalities of Spain: A Case Study on Their Context and Current Challenges,” brings a fresh, much-needed perspective to the study of renewable energy. Unlike most research in this field, which focuses on technical or economic aspects, my work takes an anthropological approach, placing rural communities at the center. By combining a critical literature review with ethnographic fieldwork in O Rosal, Galicia, I explore how these communities experience and adapt to energy transitions.

A key insight from my research is that energy communities (ECs) are more than just sustainability initiatives—they are opportunities for rural areas to regain autonomy and actively participate in the green transition. My work highlights how historical factors, such as depopulation and the agricultural crisis, have shaped rural Spain’s energy landscape. However, ECs face significant challenges, including attempts by large energy corporations to dominate community-led projects. This study underscores the need to protect these initiatives from corporate interests, ensuring that they remain truly community-driven.

Beyond energy issues, my research also addresses the rural-urban divide. ECs can revitalize rural economies by lowering energy costs, generating income, and fostering self-sufficiency. This model, though based on a small Galician town, has the potential to be replicated across Spain and Europe. More than just an academic study, my thesis is a call for real change—one that bridges social, economic, and environmental challenges.