The EU institutions have agreed on a new 2030 Renewable Energy Directive. Josh Roberts explains the new opportunities for Europe’s community energy movement.
All posts tagged: Communities
The UK’s offshore wind boom is great for the climate. But what about the fish?
Fishing in some parts of the UK has been getting tougher in the past years – but can wind farms really be blamed? Chris Bentley takes a look at how costal communities are adapting to offshore wind.
Australia’s wind farms on track to deliver $10.5bn back to host communities
The shared economic benefits of wind farm development in Australia could deliver an estimated $10.5 billion back to regional communities, a new report has found. In addition, over 6,000 local jobs could be created. Sophie Vorrath takes a look.
How do former miners in Czechia and Slovakia see the coal phaseout?
Until recently, the term ‘coal phaseout’ was taboo in Central Europe. But things are changing in Czechia and Slovakia. Hard coal mines are continuously shutting down because of low purchase prices of coal and strong foreign competition. Lignite mines, facing emissions regulations and pollution charges, are slowly following suit. Kateřina Davidová and Lenka Ilčíková explain.
Will the Energiewende succeed?
The energy transition not only needs to reduce carbon emissions, but also strengthen communities. The gap between social sciences and natural sciences must be breached. Craig Morris explains why.
Community choice energy drives renewable growth in California
Community choice aggregation (CCA) is a tool to encourage local control of energy systems that can drive significant growth in clean energy. In California, communities are using CCA to invest in renewable energy; in other US states, it’s a different story. Ben Paulos takes a look.
Local Energy Unions can reconnect Europe
The European Union’s energy policies have favored national providers and structures for too long. For Europe to re-connect and meet its Paris goals, the European Union must empower citizens to build cross-border local energy unions. Anna Leidreiter and Radostina Primova explain.
Washington State leaves coal behind, but not its workers
Centralia, USA faced disaster when its local coal plant run by TransAlta closed. But after getting a permit to build a natural gas plant on the same site, the company has committed $55 million for community development. Ben Paulos explores at the transition away from coal in Washington State.
We are the Energiewende: German villages go 100% renewable
Local communities are at the forefront of the clean energy transition in Germany, with some villages relying 100% on renewable energy. Pavol Szalai spoke to some mayors there and found that German villagers are proud of their work.
What bottom-up sustainability looks like
Increasingly, western democracies are divided over visions for the country’s future. But if we can’t agree on where we should go together, we won’t be able to address issues like climate change. Craig Morris investigates.