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.
Renewables International: Unleashing the force of citizen investors
By
Craig Morris
Americans continue to underestimate the importance of community ownership in the renewables sector. A recent article at Think Progress is the latest example. But one significant number was left out of the calculation, as we discuss in the latest edition of Do the Math!
Renew Economy: Victoria wind farm breakthrough, with pioneering share structure
By
Giles Parkinson
A small 5-turbine wind farm project with an innovative share ownership model has become the first wind energy project in the state of Victoria to receive council approval in recent years.
Telegraph: Power to the people – and to their homes
By
Telegraph View
The story of wind turbine development in this country might be less fractious had the last Labour government encouraged a community-based approach from the outset . . .
Renewables International: 8 MW of Community Owned Solar Launched in Bavaria
By
Craig Morris
Yesterday, we reported on the completion of the largest solar array in Baden-Württemberg, which is also largely owned by local citizens. In nearby Bavaria, a developer of PV arrays has now also announced that four community-owned projects were also completed by the end of April to be eligible for that month’s feed-in tariffs.
Renewables International: Community ownership of 7.8 MW solar farm
By
Craig Morris
At the beginning of the month, the largest solar project in Baden-Württemberg was connected to the grid. Its ownership structure is typical of such projects in Germany – and could serve as an example abroad. . .
Launch of Largest Community-Owned Wind Plant in Bavaria
By
Bwe
The citizen-owned wind farm is capable of generating 40 million kWh annually from the 19 MW project and has become a beacon for community ownership in Bavaria. The eight Nordex turbines are owned by 6 different projects with 600 private investors and financing by Volks und Raiffeisenbanken. . .
Guardian: Brittany villages blazing a trail in energy self-sufficiency
By
Hervé Kempf
The co-operative investment company Cigale was established in 2008, and there are now 127 individuals who collectively own a 30% share in the venture. But the participatory windfarm is just one aspect of the energy policy being deployed by Mené district council, which represents Saint Gouéno and six other nearby localities (overall population 6,500).
Niagara: Local co-operative looks to spin out 12 megawatts of power
By
Amanda Moore
A new association is prepared to submit at least 15 applications for wind projects, including at least one in Niagara, when the government opens the next window for its Feed-in-Tariff program. . .
Ottawa energy co-op connects third solar project to grid
By
Aaron L. Pop
Ottawa’s first energy co-op has announced it connected its third 10-kilowatt solar project to the grid on Wednesday. . .
Canadian Auto Workers Owned and Operated Wind Turbine Begins Operation in Port Elgin, Ontario
By
“This is an important day as the start-up of this wind turbine marks an environmental milestone for our union – this is the first union owned and operated wind turbine in Canada,” said CAW President Ken Lewenza. The start of the turbine comes after nine years of planning, preparation, construction and testing. . .
