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.
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.
Community Power Map
By
John Farrell
Where are communities taking charge of their energy future? Which states give communities the most power? ILSR’s Community Power Map provides an interactive illustration of how communities are accelerating the transition toward 100% renewable energy and how policies help or hinder greater local action.
What to do about the disenfranchised? Enfranchise them!
By
Craig Morris
To draw the right conclusions for all of Europe, it helps to understand how the Energiewende strengthened democracy in Germany.
The Power of Community: How community-owned renewable energy can help Ontario create a powerful economic advantage
By
Trec
When it comes to maximizing the economic benefits and public support for clean energy sources like wind and solar, community participation and ownership matters. This report outlines the environmental, social, and economic benefits of locally owned and operated renewable power.
Local added value from a community wind farm
By
Craig Morris
A study conducted by the Institute for Distributed Energy Technologies (IdE) on behalf of Stadtwerke Union Nordhessen (SUN) took a look at the issue. It found that the local financial benefits were eight times greater.
German government hands power sector back to energy corporations
By
Craig Morris
The Energiewende is a federal energy policy that started off as a grassroots movement. Just a few years ago, investments in the sector clearly revealed those origins. But amendments implemented in 2014 changed the trend fundamentally. If the government does not address the issue soon, one can only include the outcome is intentional.
