Naturgy Foundation promotes a plan that will benefit more than 40,000 people affected by the torrential rains in the Valencia Region

After the torrential rains in October last year, Naturgy acted in the Valencia Region offering direct support to those affected and collaborating with local entities, carrying out more than 42,000 actions as part of its plan to help those affected. Today, Naturgy Foundation assumes the commitment already made by the energy company and launches its programme ‘Joining forces for Valencia‘, an action plan aimed at supporting the recovery of the areas affected by severe flooding.

This plan is in addition to the actions rolled out by Naturgy in the territory and proposes solutions that are based on the knowledge and experience developed by the Naturgy Foundation through its different lines of activity, as part of its goal of contributing to the construction of a resilient and sustainable society.

The proposed actions include measures that consider energy efficiency; the use of renewable energies; training to promote employability in the energy sector; support for the schools affected, involving young people, teachers and families in the process; and the preparation of studies with prestigious institutions in the Valencia Region to foster debate and influence aspects that merit particular analysis as a result of the emergency.

According to María Eugenia Coronado, general director of the Naturgy Foundation, “we believe that real social change comes from collaboration. No transformation happens alone: every breakthrough is the result of many hands, ideas and wills coming together for a common purpose. That is why this project expresses part of that conviction: that strength lies in the sum, in the community, in the collective energy that drives positive actions for society. Because when we work together, society moves forward”. Coronado considers that “this global approach positions Naturgy and the Foundation as a benchmark in responding to the needs of society and is supported by strategic partnerships reinforced by its leadership in the development of initiatives linked to energy, sustainability and social commitment”.

The ‘Joining forces for Valencia‘ plan is designed to act along four lines of work:

Joining forces for People

The Naturgy Foundation will promote the main lines of action of its energy vulnerability plan in the territories affected by the torrential rain. The impact of this line of work seeks not only to collaborate in the repair of material damage, but also to rebuild and improve the quality of life of those who need it most, with initiatives that combine sustainability, energy efficiency and savings. Collaboration with around 30 social organisations working in the area will be key.

This area of the plan focuses on improving the quality of life of the people most affected by the torrential rains through various actions: energy rehabilitation of homes to improve insulation, ventilation, heating or energy efficiency, etc.; organisation of training workshops through its Energy School for families and social services technicians of local councils to achieve better use and management of energy in the home; donation and installation of solar panels in care centres for vulnerable people, thus guaranteeing a clean, stable and economic supply; and a call for aid for the energy rehabilitation of buildings of social entities, which is open until 17 October.

Joining forces for Education

The Naturgy Foundation has developed an educational project that will impact around 130 schools in 38 municipalities, divided into two levels of intervention, with the aim of developing a comprehensive educational programme on energy and environmental issues, which encourages inclusion and promotes STEM vocations.

These centres will be able to benefit from workshops, resources and experiences that bring science and technology closer to young people, and turn energy and sustainability into motivational learning for thousands of students.

In addition to the foundation’s regular educational programme, there is a further energy efficiency component by installing solar photovoltaic panels in 40 primary schools, as well as energy audits. These audits are not only conceived as a technical diagnosis, but as a transversal educational tool for the centre, aimed at involving teachers and students in understanding energy consumption and the promotion of responsible habits.

Joining forces for Employment

This line of action aims to improve the employability of people living in the municipalities affected by the torrential rains through a vocational training programme and official certifications in key sectors for the energy transition.

The project offers free training in green professions with high demand for labour, promoting both technical qualifications and personalised accompaniment towards employment. It is rolled out in alliance with social entities, public administrations and companies in the territory.

The training courses will cover areas such as the installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems, energy rehabilitation of buildings, or the digitalisation of gas networks.

Joining forces for the Environment

Several environmental volunteer days are planned in this area, combining clean-up, plant recovery and waste removal.  The interventions will be carried out with the support of Naturgy volunteers and local citizens, seeking to generate a positive impact in the territories involved, promoting a transforming experience at a social, emotional and environmental level.

In addition, the Naturgy Foundation will promote analysis and debate forums in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Valencia, including two studies to promote reflection and debate on aspects that deserve particular analysis as a result of the emergency: the resilience of energy infrastructures and environmental waste management after the torrential rains.