Middelgrunden offshore wind farm in Denmark : a community wind project (Photo by Kim Hansen, edited, CC BY-SA 3.0)
New EU study finds that 83% of European households could eventually become “energy citizens.” Nearly two-thirds of them, so roughly half of all households, could make their own energy.
Neutsch, 20.06.2012, Portrait der Energiegenossenschaft Starkenburg mit ihrem Windrad im Odenwald, Papa Andreas und Tochter Hannah im Vordergrund, Foto: Vollformat/ Alexander Heimann, Schäfergasse 5, 65428 Rüsselsheim, Fon 0177-5626350, Bankverbindung Kreissparkasse Gross Gerau BLZ. 50852553 , KTO. 16003352. Alle Honorare zzgl. 7% MwSt.
Often talked about, rarely quantified – how much more revenue does a community-owned wind farm bring in for the community, as opposed to a project by out-of-towners?
People come together in cooperatives to do the right thing, get to know each other, and create a sense of community. (Photo by Black Rock Solar, modified, CC BY 2.0)
How can public acceptance of utility projects be increased? Policymakers want to allow citizens to invest in such projects, but the focus is insufficient. Citizens want more than just financial benefits.
Bavaria has implemented draconian conditions for new wind farms. At Starnberger Lake, a mayor and his community have rushed to complete a wind farm before the new stipulations take effect.