Ermua, June 25, 2025 – Santa Ana, the pilot neighbourhood of drOp project, has taken a bold step toward sustainability and social innovation with the launch of the Local Energy Community “EkiElkar”. This pioneering initiative is part of the European drOp project, which aims to transform the neighbourhood through five key pillars: enhancing public spaces, boosting the local economy, fostering social innovation, promoting digitalization, and—most notably—advancing energy efficiency.

In the field of energy, the project has already delivered several impactful actions: vocational training in energy-efficient construction, personalized energy bill assesment at the Neighbourhood Office, educational sessions for residents, and a series of interactive workshops that have guided the community through the process of forming their own Energy Community.

The result is EkiElkar, a community-driven energy initiative that now includes 45 households, local businesses, and the local Eskolabarri school. At its core is a 40 kWh solar photovoltaic plant, funded by the drOp project, which enables members to consume clean, renewable energy—cutting costs while contributing to decarbonization and local energy resilience.

The name EkiElkar blends two Basque words: Eki (sun) and Elkar (together), symbolizing the project’s collaborative and sustainable spirit. Beyond its environmental and economic impact, EkiElkar also strengthens community bonds and civic engagement, positioning Santa Ana as a model neighbourhood for urban innovation across Europe.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Ermua City Council, which provided legal support for the community’s formation, and received technical assistance from drOp project partners Tecnalia and Mondragón University.

In addition, the project is developing an energy consumption data analysis service, which will allow community members to monitor their energy consumption and savings through periodic personalized reports, thus promoting more conscious and efficient energy management.  Looking ahead, the possibility of expanding the energy community and replicating the model in other neighbourhoods of the municipality will be explored, thus consolidating Santa Ana as a benchmark urban laboratory at the European level.