ActivityLearning Activity - creating local and renewable energy with citizens

Time to have some fun with what we have learnt so far!

Take 10 - 30 minutes for this exercise.

A group of citizens approach you, their local municipality, and want help on their project. They would like access to clean, affordable energy and tackle energy poverty in their neighbourhood. They have decided to form an energy co-operative but do not know what to do next. They do not have funding but they have the capacity to fundraise. The citizens have come to you asking for support. You now have an internal meeting to decide how to respond.

Citizen group bio

  • Committed local activists.
  • Hold regular meet and trust of local citizens.
  • Lots of members.
  • Do not have technical expertise.

Municipality bio

  • Population size: 200,000
  • Does not have a lot of funding.
  • Has a Sustainability roadmap.
  • Lots of potential for solar and hydro energy.
  • Municipality owns land and buildings.
  • Gas networks are currently private.

Questions

How would you ensure the collaboration is beneficial for both parties?

What type of support would you give to the citizen group?