Zelestra, Microsoft and ECODES Launch €250,000 Redolada Community Fund Under 10-Year Renewable Energy PPA in Aragón

Zelestra, Microsoft and ECODES have begun implementing Redolada, a social and environmental impact fund linked to renewable energy projects in Aragón, Spain. The initiative follows the long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) signed between Zelestra and Microsoft in November 2025 for the Escatrón II and Fuendetodos II solar projects.

Backed by a 10-year agreement, the fund is designed to ensure renewable energy developments generate long-term social and environmental benefits for communities located near the projects. ECODES will implement programmes directly while also managing grants for sustainability initiatives led by local organisations, with a focus on supporting vulnerable communities.

The programme is launching with an initial investment of €250,000 and will focus on three key areas: improving energy efficiency in schools, strengthening community organisations, and promoting environmental awareness among rural youth.

As part of the initiative, ECODES will introduce the European Euronet 50/50 energy efficiency methodology at IES Benjamín Jarnés in Belchite and CEIP San Javier in Escatrón. The schools will develop energy-saving plans, implement climate adaptation measures and train students as energy advisers. Under the programme, financial savings achieved through reduced energy consumption will be shared with the school communities to fund further sustainability projects and support families experiencing energy poverty.

The fund will also support the ADECOBEL Local Action Group in strengthening community organisations across Campo de Belchite through the establishment of a regional support office, a network of associations, an innovation laboratory and a project accelerator. Running until 2027, the initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,100 people directly and 4,500 indirectly.

In addition, the CEDEMAR Local Action Group will implement three youth-focused environmental initiatives across Ribera Baja del Ebro and Bajo Aragón-Caspe. The projects include environmental education programmes, local energy challenges and expanded sustainability awards aimed at increasing youth participation in the energy transition and encouraging long-term community engagement.

Scarlett Alvarez Uzcategui, Chief Stakeholder and Sustainability Officer at Zelestra, said the Redolada initiative demonstrates how renewable energy agreements can create lasting value beyond electricity generation by supporting education, community development and environmental stewardship.

Microsoft said the programme aligns with its Community-First AI Infrastructure strategy by ensuring investments supporting digital infrastructure also deliver tangible benefits for local communities through sustainability and climate action initiatives.

According to the partners, Redolada will continue expanding over its 10-year duration, with additional projects and funding opportunities planned to support more organisations and communities across Aragón while contributing to a just and inclusive energy transition.