LOCAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH COMMUNITY-LED RENEWABLE ENERGY

摘要

Many people who consider themselves supporters of renewables still doubt the feasibility of 100% in the near future. In times of economic crisis and budget cuts in most parliaments, people are mainly concerned about jobs and price increases in their daily lives. But the evidence shows that investments in renewable energy actually tackle these issues. The deployment of renewable energies results in local development and the energy transition is indeed the best response strategy to many of today's challenges. Converting our energy system is about more than replacing fossil fuel with sun and wind as new energy sources. Our current fossil fuel-based energy system is characterised by complex centralised infrastructures where a) the fuel is transported to the plant and b) energy production and distribution are typically owned by the same people. The supply chain is vertical and the benefits are shared among only a few stakeholders. By nature, renewable energy technology is typically more decentralised, has a horizontal supply chain and requires a completely different infrastructure and market. New ownership models are needed, as different stakeholders are directly involved in this transformation. A true energy transition must ensure the participation of all stakeholders - because history has proven that people-centred solutions are the quickest and most efficient way to change society.