Samsø: Denmark's Energy Island

Samsø is a Danish island with 4,300 inhabitants. In 1997, the island won a government competition to become a model for renewable energy sustainability and now, 15 years later, Samsø produces 100% of its electricity from wind power. This video chronciles its evolution to green energy self-sufficiency.

Ten Years of Community Energy In Scotland

Community Energy Scotland

Stronger, more self reliant and resilient communities through energy generation and efficiency.

Community Energy Scotland is an independent charity that provides advice and financial support for renewable energy and conservation projects developed by community groups in Scotland. The renewable energy potential of their area of operation is considerable, with a large number of small communities which are pioneering community owned and led projects. 

Their stated objective: "We believe that communities can become stronger, more self reliant and resilient by generating their own energy and using it efficiently."

Many of these renewable energy projects are being undertaken by social enterprises such as development trusts. The charity works closely with its members to develop projects which bring most benefit to their local communities.

Scotland Shows The Way On Community Ownership

Public opinion is largely in favor of wind energy in Germany and Denmark -- arguably Europe's original wind powerhouses. This social acceptance is driven by a high ownership of projects by communities since the 1980s. Nearly half of the total wind capacity in Germany is owned by farmers or cooperatives, while in Denmark, the figure is 88%. Indeed, in Germany, the public has embraced the idea so wholeheartedly that in some parts of the country it is generally accepted that the only people who can build a wind farm are those living in that area and such projects are expected to be virtually immune to legal challenge.

On the other side of the North Sea, however, such involvement by communities in wind farm development is almost unheard of. When plans for a wind farm are unveiled in the UK, most of the action tends to come from those in opposition, while those in favor often remain silent. Permitting rates by project dropped to 54% in the UK in 2011. If involvement by communities has had such positive benefits in Germany and Denmark, why has it not taken off in the UK?

Fintry Community Renewable Energy Project

Fintry in Stirlingshire, Scotland is a small community of around 700 inhabitants. Like many rural communities, the town has sought to address the serious issues of depopulation, service cuts and rising energy costs.

In 2007, the town formed the Fintry Development Trust which broadly aims to reduce energy use in the village and ultimately make the village a zero-carbon, zero-waste community. This video tells their inspiring story.

The Future Of Renewable Energy

This is a fun video with interesting and serious facts about energy and renewables.

Green Economy Is A Jobs Creation Success Story

The green economy is delivering more jobs in Northern Ireland than the motor trade, financial services sector and telecommunications combined. A new report claims the UK's general economy is predicted only to return to 2007 levels by 2014, but the green economy is tipped to grow by 40% in that time.

The 'UK Success Story' report by environmental think tank Green Alliance reveals there was a £180m investment in renewable energy in Northern Ireland during 2011/12, as revealed by Department of Energy and Climate Change figures, creating 767 jobs. And Northern Ireland is now the second largest consumer of renewable energy in the UK at 11% - lying behind Scotland at 22%.

Life's A Breeze!

Life's a breeze. And then you thrive!

Discover the wonders of clean, renewable energy from wind. Life is a breeze!

Primary School Energy Initiative

The school's Energy Tracker monitors generation, benefits and weather!

The Jurupa Primary School District in California is saving energy and creating positive results for the budget and the environment. They're doing their part to go green. They use a web tool to track their energy savings and carbon footprint reductions in their community.

The Energy Tracker displays the environmental benefits of green energy production at their facilities in terms of equivalent coal offset and homes powered along with a summary of weather data including irradiance and wind speed. The school district has begun work on the installation of solar panels  at nine of their facilities.

Wildpoldsried: Smart Energy Ideas In Germany

Solar Energy Is Fastest Growing Industry In US

The new numbers for solar PV’s Q2, just reported by GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), make solar, according to SEIA President Rhone Resch, “the fastest growing industry in the United States.”

Resch kicked off the opening session of Solar Power International (SPI) 2012 by briefly recounting those numbers: 742 MW installed in 2Q 2012, a 45% jump over the first quarter and twice the Q2 2011 total. Solar’s total installed US capacity is now 5,700 MW, he said, and there are 3,400 MW under construction. The 2012 total PV installed capacity for the US is projected to be 3,200 MW, 71% higher than the 2011 total.

Wind And Solar Energy Power Peru Education

The solar shed has come to Camacho, San Clemente, Pisco in Peru. The shed provides the school there with all of its energy needs. A renewable energy program comprised of a windmill and seven solar panels - donations from the European Union - are powering the eager young students' laptops.

The rural community of Camacho was the first community out of the 130 beneficiary communities in Peru to benefit from the Euro-Solar Program which has installed the first kit for its 240 inhabitants. Alongside the fitting out of the premises and the installation of the equipment, training was provided to the three members of each community who will be responsible for the technical management and maintenance of the kit.