On 14 November, the Patxi Larrainzar school hosted the Rochapea Energy Festival, an open event for all residents that brought together initiatives, projects and experiences aimed at promoting a more sustainable, fair and community-driven energy model. From 17:30 to 20:30, neighbours were able to discover, learn about and take part in activities designed to bring the energy transition closer to everyday life in the neighbourhood.
The event took place both inside and outside the school, offering a wide range of stands, workshops, talks and participatory activities that combined learning, creativity and fun.
Stands: energy, innovation and community participation
The Energy Festival featured a diverse selection of stands with the participation of the Oficina Verde, ah asociados, Energia eta Emakumeak (EEM), the University of the Basque Country (EHU), AZ Energy Community (Aldatzen S. Coop.), La Compasión Escolapios school, CENER, ArrotxaE, the local energy communities of Pamplona, Asociación de Comercio y Hostelería La Rotxa, Proclade Yanapay and Josu Alzueta.
These spaces enabled residents to access information on energy refurbishment, solar self-consumption, technological innovation, local biodiversity, digital tools, energy communities, responsible consumption, the impacts of the climate crisis and solar-based solutions, among other topics. The stands provided a practical meeting point for discovering ongoing projects and exploring new ways to get involved in the neighbourhood’s energy transition.
Workshops to learn, reflect and create
Throughout the afternoon, workshops were run by the EHU, Landare and the Environmental Education Service, alongside participatory sessions aimed at imagining new urban improvement projects. Activities included energy culture, food sovereignty, seed-tray creation, hands-on energy workshops for young people, and collective dynamics to envision future initiatives for Rochapea.
Talks to delve deeper into the energy transition
Attendees were able to join several talks delivered by the EHU, Oficina Verde, Josu Alzueta and Julia Itoiz. Topics addressed included the role of women in the energy transition, urban regeneration and energy refurbishment through the PIG model, household energy-saving practices, how solar cookers work, and the social and emotional impacts of changes in the energy system.
Special activities to bring energy closer to the community
The programme also included demonstrations of the autonomous electric car developed by the NAITEC Technology Centre, giving the public an opportunity to learn about emerging sustainable mobility solutions.
Alongside the technical and educational activities, the Energy Festival featured batucada percussion, music, refreshments, gifts and raffles. A performance by the Camino Dance Studio added rhythm and a celebratory atmosphere, rounding off a community event that embraced energy through participation and shared enjoyment.
