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.
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
By
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
By
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.
Community solar’s promise may go unfulfilled in Oregon
By
Steve Law
Oregon Public Utility Commission treats new approach as a modest pilot project rather than a potential game-changer
Global Initiative for Distributed and Local Energy (DALE)
By
Eric Martinot
Our mission is to support and facilitate the global transition to much greater use of distributed and local energy, community-by-community, city-by-city, and to emphasize and make visible solutions, models, and policies that result in local ownership and that provide income to cities, local communities, local businesses, and individuals.
Biggest Dutch onshore wind farm to be community owned
By
Craig Morris
What’s more, the discussion and ownership options are making wind power more popular in the Netherlands. In other countries, you might expect protesters to appear during the information events in the planning stage, but Zomer says “we increasingly have people coming by to have look at their wind farm.”
Hohe Akzeptanz für Windenergie dank Bürgerbeteiligung
By
Agentur Für Erneuerbare Energien
“Als die Gemeindevertreter der drei Gemeinden mit diesem Konzept auf die Bürger zugingen, war das Vorhaben schnell akzeptiert“, erinnert sich Schäfer.
