EDPR introduces Closer2you, its program to tackle social exclusion, in Galicia

EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), the fourth largest renewable energy producer in the world, has introduced its Closer2you program in Muxía (Galicia), with the aim of tackling social exclusion and improving the quality of life of people living near its wind farms. This year, the project focused on the renovation of a house near a wind farm developed by EDPR.

Several works have been carried out in the house that have contributed to a considerable improvement of its habitability conditions. Among them, it is worth mentioning the complete renovation of the electrical installation as well as the renovation of the kitchen furniture and appliances. The evacuation and hot water network has also been installed and the gas network has been renewed. In addition, all the carpentry of the main façade has been replaced and the walls and ceilings have been completely painted.

Rocío Sicre, CEO of EDPR Spain, says: 'Closer2you is a reflection not only of the importance that we at EDPR give to promoting social welfare, but also of the priority we give to supporting local communities in Galicia, a key territory for us. Through this project, which has reached a global scale, we are able to improve the lives of families living in unfavourable situations. The company will continue working to develop this type of projects that go beyond our green energy generation activity and that contribute to fight against deep-rooted problems in our society, such as social exclusion'.

Through this program, families currently living in unfavorable conditions can have access to running water and electricity, in addition to other improvements made to their homes. The projects belonging to this initiative are planned taking into account the characteristics of each particular situation. To this end, EDPR establishes agreements with local communities based on dialogue, respect and mutual cooperation.

The initiative has not only been developed in Spain, but since its launch in 2016 it has reached a global scale. It has been implemented in countries such as Poland, Romania, Brazil and Portugal. In these countries, both the comprehensive renovation of public buildings and the renovation and improvement of housing have been carried out.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are part of EDPR's business strategy and through the Closer2you program, the company supports the achievement of up to seven SDGs. These include: ensuring access to affordable, secure, sustainable and modern energy, as well as reducing inequalities within and between countries.

For EDPR, it is key to contribute to the development of society by respecting human and labor rights, as well as creating value for different groups of people through various initiatives such as Closer2you. In fact, the company is guided by three key principles of social responsibility: respecting human and labor rights throughout the value chain, contributing to society and finally, promoting access to energy for all.