News & Articles on Community Power
Developing renewable energy on the scale needed to make the energy transition will require public acceptance. Unlike nuclear power, where society can force a single plant on a community for the benefit of society at large, renewable energy will have to become ubiquitous in our communities and on our landscapes. This can only be possible when the majority accept this transformation. Experience has taught that acceptance is greatest when neighbors and the community at large can participate in the renewable energy revolution. The beauty of renewable energy is that everyone can take part–and own a stake in their future–when given an opportunity to do so. The challenge is creating the policies that make this possible, whether it’s for a community wind project or a solar garden.
Spain gets its first community owned wind farm
By
On Sunday, 19 June 2016, the first stone of the first renewable power plant from and for citizens was laid down in Barcelona. So far 266 people are participating in the project that involves the installation of a wind turbine of shared ownership among citizens who voluntarily provide the money needed to realize the project.
Labour Party Launches Powerful Video on a New Energy Policy for Britain
By
Paul Gipe
Britain’s Labour Party manifesto calls for 1,000 community energy cooperatives in this powerful video by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He also says Labour will reform the grid so that it acts as a safety net for local generation.
Why Labour is putting energy reform at the heart of its green agenda
By
Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party
No issue better connects the environment to people’s lives than energy. In order to deliver clean, affordable electricity we need to change our undemocratic system of supply
80% drop in community owned energy following government u-turns
By
Rebecca Harvey
The fall in community energy projects follows a series of policy changes by government. In 2014, the Coalition government launched an ambitious community energy strategy, but the last 12 months has seen tax reliefs axed and energy generation (feed-in tariff) payments cut.
South East London Community Energy: a model of community energy
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Evidently, the community energy model is something of a win-win situation for all concerned; testament to what can be achieved with a good idea, a dedicated team, and an auspicious Feed-in-Tariff.
An Overlooked Element of the Good Life in Italy (and Everywhere)
By
Jay Walljasper
Cooperatives, such as this park cafe in Forli, can achieve social as well as economic goals
What’s the future for democratic energy in the UK?
By
Laura Williams
Energy democracy projects have surged over the past five years in the UK as the number of community owned renewable energy projects have risen. This UK government’s feed-in-tariff policy has a lot to do with this . . .
From swords to solar, a German town takes control of its energy
By
Audrea Lim
The wind turbine could be the icon for the Saerbeck “Climate Community,” a champion of energy democracy that was twice awarded the European Energy Award, and received the German Sustainability Prize in 2013.
Small Wind Co-op extends share and bond offer
By
The Small Wind Co-op offers people the chance to support three community turbines: one at Troed y Bryn in Ceredigion, Wales and two at Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde, Scotland – the first time a community energy project has brought together farm-scale wind projects in different countries within the UK.
This wind and solar project could change the way Canada funds clean energy
By
Christopher Adams
As Saskatchewan promises to accelerate renewable energy, one company has proposed the European community ownership model in a move that could change the way Canada funds clean energy.
