Role of cities in the energy transition
When we talk about climate and energy policy it is often on the country level. But cities can (and are) advancing the transition to clean energy.
Entries tagged with "Community ownership"
Renewable Energy Auctions
Germany began auctioning off renewable energy projects in 2017, a fundamental shift from its previous policy of feed-in tariffs. Citizen cooperatives can also bid on projects, but are at a competitive disadvantage to corporations, who are now the chief owners bigger projects such as of offshore wind farms.
Energy democracy
Energy democracy refers to the freedom to choose who provides your power, and to produce your own. Many Germans take advantage of this freedom to take part in the Energiewende: one in every sixty Germans is now an energy producer.
Strengthening local economies
Local ownership of renewables provides great economic payback to investing communities. In the long run, energy efficiency and renewables together make energy cheaper for everyone.
Why the Energiewende?
There are reasons to switch to renewable energy and to increase energy conservation, and there are reasons to do so now.