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.
Rural N.S. town becoming a leader in Canada’s electric car movement
By
The small town of Tatamagouche, N.S., is driving the future forward with its push for electric vehicles. . . “The wind field and electric vehicles go well together. We have renewable energy driving all of the houses and businesses in this area,” says Stevenson.
Bürger-Windpark Lübke-Koog 25-Year Anniversary–A Review
By
Paul Gipe
Hans-Detlef Feddersen sent me a copy of a little picture book celebrating the 25th anniversary of Bürger-Windpark Lübke-Koog. He included a DVD video of interviews with the founders of the community-owned wind farm, the first of its kind in Germany and model for the thousands of projects to come.
No appeal on wind turbine after death threats
By
Margot Taylor
The ruling would push back community wind projects by “at least a decade”.
Störfall mit Charme—The Story of the Schönau Electricity Revolt–A Review
By
Paul Gipe
The title, Störfall mit Charme, is a playful thumbing of the nose in German at the critics of a movement by citizens in a small village in the deepest reaches of Germany’s Schwarzwald or Black Forest to dump nuclear power and build a renewable energy future.
Leveraging local investments for the benefit of our community
By
Aaron Thornell
On a floor above Suzy Q Donuts, the staff of the Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC) are working towards a green energy revolution in Ottawa.
Yes, I want renewables in my backyard
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A Canadian study recently revealed that community engagement and economic benefit in local wind energy projects ensures local buy-in and social license. The conclusions of the study aren’t surprising: The German energy transition was – and still is – powered by Germany’s citizens, making the country one of the global leaders in renewable energy.
Number of renewable energy plants with local resident involvement tops 1,000
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The number of renewable energy plants in Japan that are jointly managed by local residents and communities has exceeded 1,000 for the first time, it has been learned.
Wind Day in Woodstock, Ontario
By
Paul Gipe
York University’s International Renewable Energy Academy designated 29 June as the “wind day” on their week-long program.
Dueling Wind Ties in Woodstock
By
Paul Gipe
The 29 June was the “wind day” for York University’s International Renewable Energy Academy. As the featured speaker to start the day I donned one of my favorite wind tie.
Regulatory and tax changes have slowed the growth of community energy in Britain
By
Anca Voinea
According to the report, community energy projects provide over 121 megawatts of low-carbon energy capacity, reducing energy use across 74 communities.
