Renewable Energy Plants and Business Models: A New Rural Development Perspective

María-José Prados, Marta Pallarès-Blanch, Ramón García-Marín and Carolina del Valle
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María-José Prados: Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography and History, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain
Marta Pallarès-Blanch: Local Rural Development and Strategic Planning, La Seu d’Urgell, 25710 Lleida, Spain
Ramón García-Marín: Department of Geography, Letters Faculty, University of Murcia, 30001 Murcia, Spain
Carolina del Valle: Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography and History, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-19

Abstract: The paper evaluates the rural development (RD) contribution of local economic activities (LEAs), whether generated or affected by the proximity of renewable energy plants (REPs). The study also informs about LEAs’ role as co-players in the fight against climate change. Semi-structured research interviews have been applied to identify LEAs’ BM (business model) in Andalusia, Murcia, and Catalonia, autonomous communities of Spain. Most LEAs present a BM based on the RE plant, and others do not, but they still contribute to RD, rural communities’ well-being and global sustainability. Results show, first, that certain LEAs, due to their inter-connection with large REPs, can innovate and create a significant number of stable jobs. Second, land leasing to REPs allows for temporary farms’ diversification, which is conditioned to its bargaining power. Third, advice on integration RE projects in RD strategies should be provided. Conclusions suggest the need for new governance to favor energy transition coherent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords: renewable energy plants; rural development; business model; energy transition; Sustainable Development Goals; rural community well-being; Agenda 2030; renewable energy landscapes; business model for sustainability; scale economies; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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