The Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE) presented the Wind Neighbours Forum this Thursday, 8 May, at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid — an initiative that places at the heart of the conversation those who live alongside wind farms every day across Spain. With this platform, the sector fosters a direct channel of communication with local communities, mayors and institutional representatives, highlighting the social value of wind energy in rural territories.

At the forum’s launch, the book Wind Neighbours was introduced, compiling over 50 testimonies from residents of ten Spanish municipalities. From livestock farmers and bakers to environmental wardens, mayors and homemakers, their voices offer a close-up view of how wind turbines have become part of not only the landscape but also the everyday life of these communities.

“We want to enable constructive dialogue for the energy transition and focus on the real protagonists of this transformation: the people,” states AEE President Rocío Sicre. The book — the result of a year-long effort by environmental journalist Maribela Gutiérrez-Monzonís and photographer Covadonga Gala — highlights the social dimension of wind energy and reinforces the narrative of a shared and sustainable energy model.

The featured municipalities in this first edition include: Mañón (A Coruña), Illano (Asturias), Soba (Cantabria), Borja (Zaragoza), Paredes de Nava (Palencia), Tordesillas (Valladolid), Jarafuel (Valencia), Plasencia (Cáceres), Tarifa (Cádiz) and Puebla de Guzmán (Huelva).

“Wind energy is not just about installed megawatts; it is, above all, life in our villages, future opportunities and social rootedness,” adds Sicre. This vision was echoed by the attendees at the forum, who included mayors, experts, local residents, and representatives of social organisations. The event served as a space to exchange experiences and discuss best practices for integrating wind energy into rural environments.

Among the experiences shared were testimonies from members of the El Palenque Medieval Association of Tordesillas, agricultural workers in Huelva, and residents involved in environmental monitoring in Cantabria. The wide range of profiles showcased the diverse relationships that form between local communities and wind developments.

“We want wind energy to be a tool to retain population, create jobs and strengthen the social fabric in rural areas,” stresses AEE’s president. This objective aligns with the forum’s purpose: to establish Wind Neighbours as a permanent meeting space that evolves with contributions from all stakeholders.

AEE confirmed that the forum will continue in future editions, incorporating new testimonies, experiences and perspectives. “We want this to be a living space — one for listening, building bridges, sharing experiences and continuing to construct an energy transition that truly belongs to and serves everyone,” concludes Sicre.

With over 350 member companies and coverage of 25.6% of the national energy demand, AEE represents the leading renewable generation technology in Spain. The Wind Neighbours initiative adds to the sector’s efforts to secure a fair, inclusive and locally rooted energy transition.