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.
How one spot in Swindon UK is set for a £4.8m energy project
By
Lee Boyce
‘Swindon’s solar bonds provide an opportunity for people to invest as little as £5 and enjoy better returns than their bank provides as they invest for their children’s future, their own retirement or just a rainy day.
Community energy projects continue to prove successful
By
David Pratt
Mongoose Energy has revealed that two of its affiliated community energy companies (bencoms) have raised over £2 million for solar developments since the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) tax relief for community projects was closed in October last year.
The highs and lows of community energy across Europe
By
Paul Monaghan
In total, there are now some 2,800 energy co-operatives across Europe according to REScoop. And, as the size and scale of the sector has become better appreciated, so too has the political support it can muster.
How big can community wind farms be?
By
Craig Morris
The EU created a set-aside for small projects. Called the de minimus rule, it allows projects smaller than six megawatts to go forwards without having to take part in auctions. In addition, wind farms that consist of no more than six turbines can also be built without having to take part in auctions.
Energy4All raises millions for community solar as concerns over future support emerge
By
David Pratt
To date, Energy4All has raised over £50 million in capital for community energy projects, but Smyth has expressed concerns that this could become more difficult now that tax relief for community projects has been withdrawn.
Why Germans are bemused by Australia’s wind turbine terror
By
Ketan Joshi
Germany, as it happens, has a very strong culture of benefit sharing. I had a chat to my host about my experience on the outskirts of Ebersheim. She told me about a neighbour in the small town who owns shares in those very turbines, and has been making money off them, and he loves them.
Community wind farm in Bavaria
By
Craig Morris
Bavaria has implemented draconian conditions for new wind farms. At Starnberger Lake, a mayor and his community have rushed to complete a wind farm before the new stipulations take effect. The story shows that not all Bavarians support their state government’s stance on wind power.
Social acceptance is the invisible barrier for wind power in Mexico
By
Juan Mayorga
The most challenging hurdle that the Mexican wind sector faces is the engagement with the local populations that own the land where major wind parks are intended to be set up.
Luxembourg reaches 4.1% renewable energy share in 2013-14
By
Tsvetomira Tsanova
The country recently announced plans to expand its feed-in tariff (FiT) support scheme to include new photovoltaic (PV) and wind categories from January 1, 2016. Thus it aims to foster growth of community projects with capacity of 30 kW to 200 kW.
Guide to Community-Owned Renewable Energy for Victorians (Australia)
By
The Victorian Government has produced a guide to give communities information about developing community-owned renewable energy projects.
