Session 6Creating local and renewable energy with citizens
The energy transition is far more than switching from one energy source to another. It is the pathway towards a system based on low energy use, high energy efficiency and local and renewable energy sources. Local and renewable energy generation is a key step in moving to a cleaner energy system for everyone. It is undeniable that work will have to happen on a national, and indeed, international level as we move forwards in addressing the world's energy needs. Yet a key stage in that process will be local, renewable energy generation.
Joining the dots between the topics; moving away from fossil fuel based energy, in a large part, looks like a system more reliant on electricity generated from renewables. Electricity is currently only a fifth of energy usage today, so the way in which we manage our current energy demand will have to change as we are used to a system that generates electricity as we use it in fossil fuel power stations. Part of the puzzle is about energy storage which we do not explore in detail on this site, but you can read more about here and here; and another element is increasing energy efficiency. As we explored previously, energy efficiency projects are a great way of reducing the demand for electricity.
Why local renewable energy?
Generating local renewable energy can be a great way of reducing the cost of energy for local citizens. In many cases, a profit is made, which serves to continuously reduce the price of energy, and creates available funding which can be invested back into the community.
We should note here that there are further barriers to reaching 100% renewable which we don’t explore in this website. In many cases energy infrastructure needs to be reviewed, energy storage solutions need to be invested into and the ways in which energy markets function also need to be addressed. However, there is a huge amount of work being done in this area, and in many cases, the solutions exist, they just need greater roll out and research.
Research suggests that clear renewable energy targets, and incentives for generating on-site renewable energy (such as tax depreciation or reduction in property taxes for buildings that install renewable heating systems) can be very helpful in changing energy use from fossil fuel to more sustainable options.
As we explored in session 3, ownership of energy infrastructure can make a huge difference in the affordability and motivation for the project. Developing new infrastructure with citizens can increase democratic engagement and ensure people feel empowered to take control of their own lives. Practically, it can also ensure that energy prices are fair and equitable and that profit goes straight back into maintaining the infrastructure or reducing the cost of bills.
mPOWER have produced a series of best practice guides, which explore co-creation with citizens and building energy communities.
The importance of working with citizens
One thing that every interview and case study carried out within the mPOWER project showed, was that working alongside citizens is of absolute importance to the long term success of a project. If you are reading this as a citizen, you may well agree!
As Manfred Schaub an engineer who was a key instigator in the energy transition in Wolfhagen shared, “the most important factor of the energy transition is getting people working together. Not everything that is technically possible to realise will be possible, if people don’t participate.”
All the case studies below speak to the value and importance of working with citizens. If you haven't already you can also check out the fantastic examples of Cadiz, Plymouth, Wolfhagen, and Kronenberg, all of which were instigated by citizen groups.
We have a series of podcasts that explore renewable energy generation with citizens, check these out below.
Local Energy Communities
Renewable energy generation is not an overnight solution. It takes financing, commitment and time. Local energy communities are a way of organising between people, organisations, municipalities, and any combination of the above, to carry out energy projects - whether renewable energy generation, energy efficiency schemes or electrification schemes. Read this great article below to learn more about the history, the usages and how you could form your own.
Local energy generation and energy security
Recent years have shown that dependence on any one fuel source can create an energy security risk. Global reliance on oil and gas have seen energy crises such as those in the 1970s and in 2022. Oil and gas can only be found in certain pockets of the world, they are a finite resource. Thus energy security will become a recurring issue in a global economy reliant on one resource. This is where renewables come in. Every place on earth has the potential to harness energy from natural sources.
Denmark has a fascinating energy story in moving towards 100% renewable energy. After the energy crisis of the 1970’s, the country made a commitment to increase their renewable energy supply. Thus reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. In order to do this well they have also explored energy storage solutions. You can read more about that here, or watch the short video below for an overview.
This section presents key learnings from two European wide organisations supporting citizens and municipalities in local and renewable energy projects alongside two case studies from municipalities. By the end of this section, you will be able to evaluate and understand the various initiatives that enable local renewable energy generation with citizen engagement as well as apply the core concepts to your local context.