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.
German renewable energy cooperatives struggle as markets collapse
By
L. Michael Buchsbaum
The accelerating downward pressure on onshore wind energy expansion in Germany is paralyzing the industry. Community-owned renewable producers have been hit hardest, and elbowed out of the few markets that remain.
Bonn Community Power Declaration
By
At the same time, we notice with growing concern that there are increasing barriers against the rapid growth of renewable energy globally, e.g. through the introduction of auctions in the renewable power sector which represents an insurmountable hurdle, together with additional barriers in form of restrictive permission rules and manifold other forms of discrimination and exclusion from fair market access.
New study proves: Community power is increasingly being marginalised by auctions
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On the occasion of the 4th International Community Wind Symposium, which begins today, the two main organizers, the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) and the NRW Renewable Energy Association (LEE NRW), are launching a new study entitled “Community wind in the second year of auctions: a lot of shadow, little light” on the state of community wind energy in NRW and Germany. The symposium, which spans two days, will be attended by a total of 100 experts from 20 countries.
The UK can’t fight the climate emergency when the Tories are entirely opposed to renewables like solar
By
James Dyke
The party’s decision to increase tax on domestic solar power shows that its head is still firmly in the sand
CEE urges suppliers to support community energy after FiT closure
By
Alice Grundy
Community Energy England (CEE) has called for energy suppliers to offer ‘suitable’ tariffs for community energy in the wake of the feed-in tariff (FiT) closure.
Scots island community wind build underway
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North Uist Development Company (NUDC) has kicked off construction of the UistWind community wind farm on the Scottish island after a successful fundraising campaign.
Up in the Air–Be a voice for change
By
Prince Edward County County Sustainability Group
Up in the Air is a short film about the wind turbine project in Prince Edward County. For nearly two decades, a group of County residents have been supporting wind energy initiatives. The White Pines project near Milford looks to be the answer to that quest. But with four of the nine turbines up and ready to capture wind energy, the provincial government recently halted the project.
Salisbury Community Energy wants schools to sign up for solar power
By
Gemma Gibson
As the government will be withdrawing the renewable energy Feed-in Tariff from March (income received from selling solar power generated energy into the national grid), Salisbury Community Energy (SCE) is appealing for as many large sites as possible to sign up for solar photovoltaics (PV) installation before this deadline, to not only help in making Salisbury eco-friendly but to pay back local investors and form a community benefit fund.
Why Minnesota’s Community Solar Program is the Best
By
John Farrell
Minnesota’s community solar program hit a record 460 megawatts of operational capacity in November 2018. The chart above shows the progress of projects through the program since August 2015, and the nearly two-year lag between the program launch in December 2014 and the successful ignition of multiple megawatts of capacity in January 2017.
Community Solar With an Equity Lens: Generating Electricity and Jobs in North Minneapolis
By
Maria Mccoy
Shiloh Temple, a church two miles from downtown Minneapolis, serves more than just the spiritual needs of the community. After a recent update to its roof, this church in North Minneapolis now serves some of the community’s energy needs, as well.
