Is community energy the future?

Last summer I went down to the river Don in Aberdeen, Scotland to have a look at the new hydro energy station.

What's so amazing about this power generator is that it came into being thanks to a community project. Regular pro-active people got together, teamed up with supporting businesses as well as volunteers and successfully went through a few funding rounds, including selling bonds to private investors.

Usually when you hear "community project" you might think of a tuck shop or a bake sale. This is a whole new level! It is such an innovative and daring idea for a community project.

I am impressed!

Here are two quick mobile phone videos from the site. It is embedded in a beautiful river landscape and situated next to a housing complex. The immediate area looks a bit desolate, but I believe there are plans to build a tourist/educational focal point.

Walking around from behind:

The front (unfortunately it wasn't in operation at that time):

More recently, at a Climate Cafe at the end of 2017, I learnt that there are other community energy projects in the North-East of Scotland like the wind turbines in Huntly.

I had no idea that communities take on such challenges.

Community energy can be an excellent solution for remote areas. Just think of the Scottish islands. They have been working as communities for ages. To be fair, it might be easier for them to leverage their isolation, since they're pretty much off the radar. Also, due to that fact their incentive for collaboration is higher than on the well-connected mainland.

When people come together we can achieve great things that are good for many and not necessarily influenced by politics. Such projects give me hope and make me wonder whether decentralised efforts are the future.

What community projects are happening in your area?

gif from here by @rocking-dave