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.
Conservative Iowa farmers find a new cash crop — renewable energy
By
Daniel Cusick
Yoder makes it pay to the tune of $500 to $700 each month in avoided energy costs, or roughly half what his electricity bill totaled before he installed the turbine and solar panels and began selling power to the Kalona co-op under a unique feed-in tariff program that is tailored to the locals’ strong sense of self-reliance and energy independence.
Boell: How winning over rural constituents changed the political discussions on renewables in Germany
By
Alexander Franke
When it comes to renewable energy however, a large majority of farmers are staunch supporters of the Energiewende and the fast development of renewables – an outcome that may surprise people in countries where conservatives oppose renewables
Great Britain Communities can create their own power stations
By
The Urban Community Energy Fund has been launched today, giving community groups in England the opportunity to bid for grants of up to £20,000, or loans of up to £130,000.
ISES and CPA Webinar on Community Owned Renewable Energy – case study experience from different countries
By
This webinar concentrates on community owned solar and some community wind programs. Our speakers will discuss the different community solar models and the role of policy mechanisms – especially the feed in tariff. The webinar will also present factors that make a good community projects and the pitfalls to be avoided.
The National: Power to – and from – the people
By
Editorial
In the UAE, this would require some form of “feed-in tariff”, whereby the government would pay individuals a set tariff for the surplus power they generate in their homes. Although the new panels are some years away, the mechanism for feed-in tariffs should be created now.
ILSR: Advantage Local – Why Local Energy Ownership Matters
By
John Farrell
Why does ownership of renewable energy matter? Because the number of jobs and economic returns for communities are substantially higher when electricity generation from wind and sun can be captured by local hands.
The Quiet Global Boom of Co-operative Enterprises
By
Russ Christianson
Today, there are thousands of examples of local co-operative initiatives, from credit unions in India and fair-trade coffee growers in Nicaragua to industrial worker co-ops in Argentina, renewable energy co-ops in Denmark, and local organic food co-ops in Canada.
SPP: Community Energy England concerned over possible community feed-in tariff U-turn
By
Peter Bennett
Community Energy England (CCE) has called on the government to push forward with its initial plans to extend support for community energy schemes under the feed-in tariff from 5MW to 10MW.
Two Thumbs Up – Oxford Community Energy Co-op
By
Glen Estill
One thing I like in particular is the Board’s sense of mission. Board members are not currently being paid, and it is an active board. For example, the equity is being raised by the board members, not a paid middle man. The Board clearly want this to be a successful model for co-ops, and is dedicating their time to ensure that happens. The Board reminds me of Solarshare, another renewable energy co-operative that has successfully launched, and is making progress on bringing community energy to Ontario.
