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.
Global energy transition conference bigger than ever
By
Craig Morris
Undersecretary Rainer Baake praised the German government’s implementation of auctions, in which markets set prices but the government sets the volume – and the German government is using the policy to slow down renewables in the power sector.
A Snapshot of Transition in Ireland: the Fight for Community Energy
By
Theresa O’donohoe
Community energy projects are hard to come by in Ireland. One community owned wind farm took 12 years to build. It was clear that policy did not support community energy projects.
New Page Posted of Photos of Paul Gipe’s Career in Renewable Energy
By
Paul Gipe
I’ve finally taken the time to post some pictures from my career in renewable energy and energy policy. Some date from 1976, possibly earlier. My memory of those days is fuzzy as they say.
Bristol Energy Cooperative relaunches solar bond in major investment push
By
Liam Stoker
BEC hopes to raise £2 million by 31 March 2016 to complete the purchase of a 4.6MW solar array near Puriton, Somerset, that has been constructed by renewable energy developer Anesco.
Luther College Wind Turbine
By
The Luther College wind turbine was installed on September 19, 2011 and commissioned by General Electric on November 1, 2011. Located on the bluff west of campus, the turbine symbolizes Luther’s commitments to sustainability and represents a significant measure to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions and long-term electricity costs.
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.
