On 14 November, we held the Energy Festival in the Rochapea neighbourhood, an event promoted by oPEN Lab in collaboration with other local partners. Open to the entire community, it brought together initiatives, projects and experiences connected to a more sustainable, fair, and community-focused energy model. Residents had the opportunity to learn, explore, and participate in activities designed to bring the energy transition closer to everyday life in the neighbourhood.
The Energy Festival featured a diverse range of stands highlighting the work of local organisations.The Green Office presented the renovation of homes in San Pedro, providing information and support on energy issues, from building retrofitting and financial aid to guidance on electricity and gas bills, as well as social thermal and electricity bonuses. AH ASOCIADOS, through the PEN stand, presented oPEN Lab’s plans to transform a Escolapios School building into a Positive Energy Building. The collective Energia eta Emakumeak (EEM), together with local schools, exhibited completed and ongoing murals, detailing their creation process, meaning, and significance for the neighbourhood.
The University of the Basque Country (EHU) demonstrated digital tools developed for Rochapea, including interactive maps, a 3D viewer, and Gridly, inviting residents to explore them with the help of the school’s students. Meanwhile, the AZ Energy Community (Aldatzen S. Coop.) offered practical advice on how to maximise solar panel efficiency, taking into account sun exposure and orientation, and CENER explained in simple terms how electricity is generated from photovoltaic panels. ArrotxaE, together with other local energy communities, informed attendees about the benefits of joining the neighbourhood energy community and their ongoing activities, while the Asociación de Comercio y Hostelería La Rotxa introduced the association’s work, promoting local commerce, community engagement, and responsible consumption.
The NGO Proclade Yanapay presented the exhibition “Climate Crisis, Human Rights Crisis”, exploring the impact of climate change on human rights and possible measures for climate action. In addition, Josu Alzueta led a hands-on exploration of solar ovens, including demonstrations of real ovens, construction of models, and explanations of how different types of solar ovens work. The Escolapios School also showcased the Txio Txio project, aimed at recovering local bird populations, introducing the related app and teaching simple actions to protect the birds in the neighbourhood.
Throughout the day, workshops allowed residents to engage with energy and sustainability topics in practical ways. The University of the Basque Country (EHU) led a workshop on energy culture, raising awareness about sustainable practices and infrastructure, while Landare, an organisation promoting responsible consumption of ecological products, ran a workshop on food sovereignty and seedling creation, enabling participants to take home a planted seedling. The Environmental Education Service of Pamplona City Council organised interactive energy workshops for children and teenagers over 10 years old, and the EHU also facilitated participatory sessions where residents generated ideas for new urban improvement projects based on the neighbourhood’s interactive maps.
Attendees also had the chance to listen to talks by the University of the Basque Country (EHU), the Green Office, Josu Alzueta, and Julia Itoiz, covering topics such as the role of women in the energy transition, urban rehabilitation and regeneration PCC’s planning, energy saving at home, the operation of solar ovens, and the social and emotional impacts of changes in the energy model.
The programme also included demonstrations of NAITEC’s autonomous electric car, as well as KarKarKar’s shared car demonstration, introducing the public to sustainable mobility alternatives. In addition to technical and educational activities, the day featured a batucada, music, refreshments, drinks, gifts, and raffle with prizes. A performance by the Camino Dance Studio added rhythm to the festive atmosphere, completing a community gathering that celebrated energy through participation and shared enjoyment.
