Debagoiena Citizens’ Assembly
For: Debagoiena 2030
Debagoiena (Alto Deba) is a region with high energy consumption, due, among other reasons, to the importance of its industrial fabric and lifestyle. Located in Gipuzkoa, it had a population of 62,527 in 2018 and comprises the municipalities of Antzuola, Aretxabaleta, Arrasate/Mondragón, Bergara, Elgeta, Eskoriatza, Leintz-Gatzaga and Oñati.
In 2023, Debagoiena 2030 began to develop a deliberative process (‘Argitzen’) on energy transition. Debagoiena 2030 is an open collaboration network involving public entities, cooperatives, companies and educational agents seeking to transform the Debagoiena region into a smart, inclusive and climate-neutral region by 2050.
After two years of intense work involving a wide range of actors, a Mandate Body (composed of the region’s town councils, business organisations and community organisations) has commissioned a citizens’ assembly on energy transition. It will be composed of 50 citizens from the region chosen by a civic lottery. It will take place in autumn 2025.
The Mandate Body has agreed on the following question for the Citizens’ Assembly:
“What actions or changes should local actors in Debagoiena develop to reduce energy consumption and develop renewable energies? Taking into account the following criteria:
- the industrial fabric and living conditions of the region, and their impact on the model.
- the level of energy dependence.
- minimising the impact of renewable energies on biodiversity and the rural environment.
- proportionality between capacities and responsibilities among different people, institutions, towns and territories”.
Image: Argitzen presentation in Arantzazulab in May 2025.
