sumption and 48% less electricity consumption, which, depending on market forces, could mean a return on the investment in the time that ACCIONA Energía holds the contract for managing the system: 15 years. The company also looks after the financing and renewal of facilities, equipment and devices linked to urban lighting and public buildings. It is not beyond the realms to imagine that most of the residents of Gijon are happy with these figures, given that before the energy crisis began, in March 2021, three out of every four said they were quite or very wor-ried by energy consumption in their homes, and nine out of ten were in favour of installing LED technology. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION That communication with the citizens is another priority which comes across in our questionnaires and information initiatives, such as video mapping the City Hall or the ‘LUZ. A new dawn for Gijon’ campaign, with volunteers explaining the project at all municipal centers. Another questionnaire will soon be used for the people of Gijon to choose which type of lighting to install in the city, after simulations of the capacity and connectivity with the platform. But the real value of the project is the potential of its scalability. If it works In Gijon, it can work anywhere. “It’s perfectly possible to rep-licate in other cities - says González Sánchez - because it’s based on a type of contract understood by most public agencies and well-promoted by the EU, which we have perfected with a focus on social innovation and technology, sustainable development and citizen participation.” ENERGY TRANSITION OF A SMART CITY clean energy • The contract will renew the electrical and heating facilities in 157 municipal buildings and substitute 23,759 lamps and lights for LED technology. • 3,793 regulation systems such as motion sensors will be installed and light intensity sensors in 33 buildings, as well as noise, damp, temperature and air quality sensors in 25 buildings, consumption meters and smart plugs. • Total renewal of public lighting in streets, avenues and squares with 42,768 urban and rural LED lights and 6,446 motion detectors in low population density areas, zebra crossings, parks and industrial parks. • Roll-out of an interoperable digital network to manage, monitor and analyze real-time information for all sensors and radio-frequency devices.