Local community groups are often seen as being against renewable energy sites or other projects to support the energy transition. But there is a rise in different ownership and funding models that includes local residents who do want to support the quest for a decarbonised economy
Including local residents in the ownership of renewables not only increases acceptance but can ease funding and permitting headaches
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Predictions that nearly a fifth of wind and solar projects could be owned by by local residents by 2030
CONSUMER OWNERSHIP New business models are providing an opportunity for lower-income households to back clean energy projects
KEY QUOTE When you look across the landscape and you see a wind turbine where there wasn’t one before, you feel you’ve lost something. But if you own it yourself, you perceive it in a different way ...
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Thousands of buildings across Europe will need to be renovated on an unprecedented scale if climate and greenhouse gas reduction targets are to be met. Lawmakers’ minds are turning to how best to undertake the Herculean task
Discussions to usher in the end of coal are advancing in much of the European Union, but the Western Balkans region is lagging behind as the fuel continues to dominate the local power market
Municipal electricity utilities have a long history in Europe, with more emerging as cities look to lead the energy transition. The model has obvious advantages but has also suffered setbacks in some markets. In an increasingly competitive landscape, using the benefits of private partners may be the way forward
Governments are increasingly legislating for the building of new net-zero housing. But improving the green credentials of the existing housing stock is a much more difficult path to navigate. Now communities are being empowered to clean up their homes through collective action
All levels of government have a role to play in helping communities manage their energy transition, says Carsten Rothballer at ICLEI
Deliberative forums involving members of the public will help advance an ambitious energy transition
As the hot topic of the moment, in this episode of Watt Matters, we examine how energy efficiency policies and measures are being treated around the world