Community Energy concentrates on clean energy solutions for our local community. It empowers people to take action by promoting an increase in clean energy including, renewable energy, energy storage and energy efficiency.
Community energy groups can play a variety of roles, from advocates and promoters of clean energy, to developers and owners of clean energy projects.
Australia is already seeing some great traction in community energy. There are over 90 communities who have established community energy groups with a few projects operating and many more under development. Some of the actions these groups have taken include:
- Household rooftop solar bulk buys
- Investment schemes to finance rooftop solar for local businesses
- Fund raising for solar for community buildings
- Developing and owning wind farms
Overseas, community energy is even more prevalent in places like the UK, Denmark, Germany and the US. There are cases of islands going 100% self sufficient renewable energy all owned by the local community, or towns owning and operating renewable energy plants that generate well over their local needs. This article in the Conversation has a great overview of community energy projects internationally and in Australia.
Sunny Shire aims to bring community energy to the Sutherland Shire. This could:
- Increase the amount of renewable energy in Sutherland Shire
- Save households and business money through reduced electricity bills, strengthening the local economy
- Increase energy independence and self reliance
- Help shire residents and businesses better understand energy and our electricity market
For more information, see this overview from Community Power Agency.
We will be sharing more stories and case studies over time that explain and showcase community energy further.