The Lessons of Public–Private Collaboration for Energy Regeneration in a Spanish City. The Case of Txantrea Neighbourhood (Pamplona)

Abstract

Although the transformation of the energy model is a global problem, cities take on a leading role in the process as they are important consumers of energy resources. For years, local authorities have been implementing various energy saving initiatives. The transport and equipment renovation sectors, as well as the residential renovation sector, are the focus of the objectives of local strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this article we analyse the role of local government in the energy transition, its relationship with other public–private territorial agents, and the involvement of citizens in the design and implementation of their initiatives. To this end, we will focus on the case of Pamplona, a city in the north of Spain with a policy aimed at low-energy, renewable, decentralised, and sustainable restructuring. We will analyse the heating districts of its Txantrea neighbourhood. By means of qualitative information obtained through interviews, we will see how the project has been carried out, which actors participated, the problems encountered, and how it has impacted savings, the improvement of quality of life of the residents, and urban and energetic regeneration processes