The lure of community owned renewable energy and why it's ok to be an unsung eco-hero
prufoster.substack.com
Sometimes we come across an idea that resonates so powerfully, it immediately shifts our understanding. This happened to me a couple of weeks ago when I read an article entitled “Energy citizenship: Europe’s communities forging a low-carbon future”. It’s a story about the many towns and villages in Europe that have installed their own renewable energy stations in order to power their communities. With one effort, these communities reduced their carbon footprints, decreased air pollution, cut energy bills, and secured their energy supply. The latter two are especially poignant as the invasion of Ukraine continues to disrupt Europe’s energy mix.
I saw an interesting report about a community in Florida that generated its own solar energy, as well, they designed their community to be flood resistant (streets were built lower than homes to turn them into conduits for flood waters that would not likely rise to the level of the houses.
As a result, the homes did not flood and the community did not lose power after Ian wiped out communities all around them.
You've found your way to the spot I often feel I'm in. I'd love to get involved in something, but I lack the time, expertise, and frankly, the energy, to spearhead something this complex. We do what can at home, and other than travel have incredibly small footprints. Sadly, as I've said before, I don't believe that's enough, but the idea of doing something local is appealing because of the scope and scale.
I wonder how much of the lifting these "advisory organizations" do? I read the linked article about the guy who researched them, but there wasn't much on what exactly these organization offer in terms of service to a community interested in pursuing a local renewable energy project, or if they have any tips on how to get something like that started. I Googled around, but I didn't find much. If there were organizations set up to help communities do things like this, I'll bet adoption would be higher. Of course, funding would also be a an issue. Very interesting concept, though.
I saw an interesting report about a community in Florida that generated its own solar energy, as well, they designed their community to be flood resistant (streets were built lower than homes to turn them into conduits for flood waters that would not likely rise to the level of the houses.
As a result, the homes did not flood and the community did not lose power after Ian wiped out communities all around them.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/02/us/solar-babcock-ranch-florida-hurricane-ian-climate
You've found your way to the spot I often feel I'm in. I'd love to get involved in something, but I lack the time, expertise, and frankly, the energy, to spearhead something this complex. We do what can at home, and other than travel have incredibly small footprints. Sadly, as I've said before, I don't believe that's enough, but the idea of doing something local is appealing because of the scope and scale.
I wonder how much of the lifting these "advisory organizations" do? I read the linked article about the guy who researched them, but there wasn't much on what exactly these organization offer in terms of service to a community interested in pursuing a local renewable energy project, or if they have any tips on how to get something like that started. I Googled around, but I didn't find much. If there were organizations set up to help communities do things like this, I'll bet adoption would be higher. Of course, funding would also be a an issue. Very interesting concept, though.
You are making a difference in so many ways, Pru! You are my local eco-hero. Marney