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.
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.
Sustainable energy must be citizen owned
By
Tara Connolly
The benefits are manifold. Democratising the energy system leads to renewable energy projects that are closer to the needs of the local communities, not those that are imposed upon them.
European community energy groups could be on the cusp of some big-wins
By
Paul Monaghan
On 20 May 2016, the great and the good of community energy came from across Europe to San Sebastian for the General Assembly of REScoop – the European federation of renewable energy co-operatives. I was privileged to attend in my role as sustainability adviser to Co-operative Energy, who are full members of REScoop.
Community wind farm project looking to raise £1m
By
Aziz Tarik
The co-op has just re-opened its Share Offer to enable people to invest during construction which can be followed via the website awel.coop. The co-op is aiming to raise £1,000,000 within a month. It is well on the way having already passed the £800,000 mark.
Renewable Windfall as Germany’s Green Energy Meets 90 Percent of Demand
By
Lauren Mccauley
Sunday’s milestone was made possible because of a people-powered “energy revolution.”
Finland to add more PV using community solar model
By
Adilya Zaripova
While in other parts of the world community solar is growing its market share, in Finland shared PV projects already represent 13% of country’s solar power production.
