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.
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.
Beyond Sharing – How Communities Can Take Ownership of Renewable Power
By
John Farrell
But shared solar is just a small slice of the community renewable energy opportunity, which could include many other renewable technologies such as wind or geothermal, but also community-owned projects that would allow greater local capture of economic benefits.
WWEA Bulletin Issue 1-2016: Community Wind Special
By
This special edition of our WWEA Quarterly Bulletin reflects the discussion of the international symposium “Tailwind and Headwind for Community Power – Regional and Global Community Wind Perspectives”, recently held in Bonn. More than 100 experts from 20 countries, representing all continents, discussed the current status, barriers and future prospects of community wind.
Isle of Wight community group seeking solar investment
By
Liam Stoker
A community group on the Isle of Wight is looking to secure investment to purchase what would become the island’s first community energy solar farm.
Why people come together in community projects
By
Craig Morris
People come together in cooperatives to do the right thing, get to know each other, and create a sense of community. Some of these projects focus on profits, especially those in the energy sector, but most don’t (think of fire brigades, sport clubs, kindergartens, etc.).
Community Wind threatened by discriminating policies
By
Wwea
CEOs of community wind farms and other experts were interviewed on favorable and detrimental factors for community wind. The answers reflected unanimously great concerns about the current trend towards auction systems for power from renewable energy. Auctions are usually setting up insurmountable barriers for community based investors. In contrast, simple feed-in tariff systems have been assessed as having paved the way for broad citizens’ participation and community wind farms.
