- UNEF announces the winners of the second edition of the "Future Creators" awards, which recognize the work of individuals distinguished by their exemplary commitment to a fair, sustainable, and competitive energy transition in Spain:Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition;Javier Peña, Founder of Hope and the Alliance for Regeneration;Ángel Sánchez, Coordinator for Sustainable Development and Climate Change at the Junta de Extremadura;Jesús López, Mayor of Belinchón; and Lorenzo José Medina, Mayor of Guillena.
Madrid, June 18, 2025. This Saturday, June 21, marks the celebration of the World Sun Day, an opportunity to reflect on how the sun in Spain is much more than just beaches: it is now a key asset, providing clean, affordable, and locally-sourced energy, strengthening energy independence and boosting the competitiveness of our industries.
"Spain is the land of the sun in an era when solar energy is more needed than ever, with a historic competitive advantage: with an average of 2,000 hours of sunlight per year — more than double that of countries like Germany — our projects are twice as efficient and profitable, positioning the country as a global benchmark for investment and enabling us to do so with clean, renewable energy" said José Donoso, economist and Director General of UNEF, the Spanish Photovoltaic Union.
The photovoltaic sector employs over 162,000 people in Spain, contributes more than €12 billion annually to the GDP, and is breaking records in exports and R&D investment.
From an environmental perspective, in 2024, photovoltaic energy avoided the emission of 20.5 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in Spain. Environmental studies — such as the one carried out annually by EMAT or the latest report from the University of Cambridge and RSPB — show that well-managed solar plants can become reserves for flora and fauna, even helping to restore endangered species.
Solar farms also represent an opportunity for rural areas and depopulated Spain: more wealth, more population, more entrepreneurship, and more employment.
This is confirmed by the Quantitative Study on the Local Socioeconomic Impacts of Photovoltaic Solar Energy, carried out by the Carlos III and Complutense universities.
The study, conducted in six municipalities that have embraced photovoltaics in different autonomous communities (Escatrón, Tordesillas, Alcázar de San Juan, Bienvenida, Totana, and Carmona) and compared with similar municipalities without such projects, reveals that solar parks generate a 7% to 13.6% increase in employment during the construction phase and a 1% to 2% decrease in unemployment.
Additionally, these projects attract population growth of 3% to 8%, encourage local entrepreneurship with a 2.6% to 3.5% increase in the number of companies, and result in a 3% increase in property value.
The economic benefits extend across the community: municipal revenues grow by 9% to 13.5%, municipal spending increases by 4.4% to 9.5%, and household income rises between 0.5% and 1%.
And, contrary to certain myths, the land use of photovoltaic plants is negligible: to meet the PNIEC 2030 targets, only 0.4% of the surface area would be required — just 0.4% of agricultural and livestock land — for the planned 57 GW of photovoltaic power.
“Future Creators” Awards
As part of the celebration of Sun Day, UNEF has announced the winners of the second edition of the “Future Creators” awards, which will take place on June 26 at 8:00 PM at the ME Meliá Reina Victoria Hotel in Madrid.
Inspired by Peter Drucker’s quote, “The best way to predict the future is to create it,” the “Future Creators” awards recognize outstanding individuals for their exemplary commitment to a fair, sustainable, and competitive energy transition in Spain.
The awardees of this edition are:
- Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition
Over recent years, the photovoltaic sector has undergone a profound transformation, becoming a driver of growth, innovation, and climate action. Thanks to her leadership, Spain has gone from lagging behind to becoming a global benchmark in solar energy, promoting self-consumption, energy communities, and the integration of large-scale solar projects. From her position at the European Commission, she continues to push forward policies that support renewable energies and European leadership in clean technologies.
- Javier Peña, Founder of Hope and the Alliance for Regeneration
Recognized for his work in raising awareness and promoting sustainability and climate action. His optimistic message and mobilizing capacity have inspired thousands of people and professionals to engage in real solutions to climate change. HOPE has become a benchmark in positive communication for the energy transition.
- Ángel Sánchez, Coordinator for Sustainable Development and Climate Change of the Junta de Extremadura
Honored for his institutional support in integrating solar energy into regional planning, especially in rural areas. His active backing of sustainable projects and educational work have fostered a socially inclusive energy transition that respects the territory.
- Jesús López, Mayor of Belinchón
Awarded for his commitment to implementing solar projects in his municipality, turning Belinchón into a model of local development linked to clean energy. His leadership has shown that small towns can play a leading role in the energy transformation.
- Lorenzo José Medina, Mayor of Guillena
Recognized for his strategic vision in rolling out solar energy at the local level, encouraging cooperation with landowners and communities. His management has contributed to improving his residents' quality of life and has positioned Guillena as a model of a fair energy transition.
These awards symbolize the Spanish photovoltaic sector’s gratitude to those who, from different spheres — institutional, social, and municipal — are boldly leading the shift toward a cleaner, more democratic, and more competitive energy model.
“Spain doesn’t just have sunlight; it has talent, vision, and commitment. These five individuals prove it every day. They are true creators of the future” said UNEF President Rafael Benjumea.
“This commitment to solar energy is not just an energy policy — it's a national vision,” he added. “It’s Spain’s opportunity to lead the fourth industrial revolution, building a prosperous and sustainable future. The sun — our most abundant resource — is already one of the key drivers of our economy and well-being, and it can continue to play an even more decisive role in the development of our country.”